Acts 2:8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
A quote about fear and destruction came to mind as I read today’s verses, but I am unable to find exactly the one I remember. It was something along the lines of “What we don’t understand, we fear. What we fear, we destroy.”
Acts 2:9-11 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
A quick look at verse 13 shows the truth of this semi-remembered thought. The speakers in verse 13 didn’t understand how everyone could understand in their native tongue, regardless of what language was being spoken. They were afraid because they didn’t understand. They tore down–”They must be drunk!”–what they feared. No discussion. No attempt at understanding. No examination for the miraculous. Just harsh, dismissive words.
Acts 2:12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Lord, In this world it is far too easy, far too common, to fear what we don’t understand. When faced with fear, many seek the route of ridicule and dismissal instead of trying to understand. But Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Your ways are far beyond anything we can ever imagine. Help us to open our minds and hearts. Help us to seek to understand and to share Your love, compassion, and mercy. Always. Amen.
Acts 2:13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Have a blessed day.