Many Voices

Polyglot

Acts 2:1-13

…in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power. v. 12

     Jewish people from around the world gathered in Jerusalem that Pentecost Day.  We don’t know why they were there, but their presence speaks volumes about God’s intentions for God’s church.  The little band that followed Jesus welcomed people from near and far into their fellowship. 

     The Apostle Paul traveled throughout the Mediterranean area meeting strangers who became friends and leaders in the churches he founded.  Peter was called to invite the strangers in Macedonia into the life of those living the Jesus Way.  

      These apostles followed Jesus example when they reached out.  Jesus had served Galileans and Judeans, but also Syro-Phoenician, Romans, residents of the Decapolis, Samaritans.  All were welcome into the graceful steadfast love of God.

      Today people from almost every nation on earth profess their faith in the God revealed in Jesus the Christ.  Strangers are welcomed into thousands of Christian communities.  Stories are told and listened to as these believers tell of their experiences with a loving and living God.  We celebrate the rich diversity of people whom God calls into fellowship with us.  We hear a polyglot of voices all raised in praise and prayer.

       We thank God for strangers who are God’s gift to us, who bring the light of the resurrection into the darkness of the shadow of the cross.

            Prayer:  Join your prayers today with others as you gather with a local worshipping community to give thanks to the God of strangers who knows us down to the number of hairs on our head, and who meets us in those who are strangers to us.