Acts 2:5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
Language differences can be a huge barrier. I know just a tiny bit of Spanish. If I am talking to someone who only knows a tiny bit of English and we have no interpreter, it’s not going to take long for both of us to become frustrated because we are unable to clearly communicate with the other. Even as I type this, the feelings inside me are very tense and uncomfortable.
Acts 2:6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
So imagine if I still know my tiny bit of Spanish, the person I’m conversing with still knows only a tiny bit of English, there is no translator between us, yet we completely understand and are understood with every word that is spoken. Even as I type this, I can breathe freely, I don’t have that overwhelming feeling of stress.
Acts 2:7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that to understand others and to be understood is such a gift. Help us, even when there are barriers, to seek ways to foster understanding with others. Help us to shine Your light. Amen.
Acts 2:8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
Have a blessed day.