More of the Story: Communication

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” ~ Acts 2:5-11
Think like a wise man, but communicate in the language of the people. ~ William Butler Yeats

God was doing a new thing all right.

 And maybe we still haven't quite gotten the memo.

 As the church was being born, what was the first thing God did? Made sure everyone could understand it.

 Met people where they were.

 I've been a Lutheran for my whole life and been part of at least eight or nine congregations. And although each one had its special and wonderful qualities, for the most part, there wasn't a whole lot of variety in how the gospel message was celebrated and communicated. (and as someone who preaches that message I have to own that myself!)

 Are we communicating to people where they are?

 Are we making sure everyone understands?

 Are we open to communicating with those who aren't part of our congregations yet?

 Does a fourteen year old hear in the same way an eighty year old does?

 Does a white man hear the same way as black woman does?

 Does a teacher hear the same way as a student?

 Does a Democrat hear the same way as a Republican?

 Do our music, preaching, and liturgy reflect the differences under our roof?

 The Spirit blew in on that Pentecost day and everyone could understand.

 And the church began and flourished.

 So...what new thing are we being called to do for the church to continue to flourish? What way are we being called to communicate the message of God's love so that everyone understands it?
Prayer: Blow Holy Spirit! Blow through our lives that we may understand and live out the new thing you are calling us to. Amen.








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