Devotional  Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Acts 2: 1-21

Text: All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (v. 4)

I took Latin in high school. Wags have said of Latin, “Latin killed the Romans and it nearly killed me!” I can relate. I’ve never been very good at foreign languages. Some of this has to do with the fact that I am a stutter. But, I am also not very good at rote memorization.

I believe that today’s devotional reading challenges us to tell the story of God’s unconditional infinite love in such a way that others can understand and experience it. It means that we have to be creative “as the Spirit” gives us the ability. It means that we have to get to know the other person, learn their language and present in a way that they understand.

Music is a powerful vehicle for sharing the story of God’s love. Traditional hymns speak to some while more contemporary songs speak to others. Some learn visually, others learn aurally, still others learn verbally or physically. No one way or combination of ways is better than another.

Our call, as serious followers of Jesus, is speak in such a way that Jesus is known.

Lord, let your Spirit guide my words and actions today so that everything I do and say will glorify you. Amen,.