Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church, so: “happy birthday!”
The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 is so often simplified into “reversing the curse of Babel” or that the Gospel is meant for all nations.
Those, of course, are true, but I think these are often minimized said in a somewhat quaint way.
The reality is that Babel was a colossal event and Pentecost even more so!
The people at Babel were seeking to elevate themselves to the heavens; elevate themselves to be like God. (Sound familiar?) They sought to displace God with themselves and their fear was that they may be “dispersed over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). (God is amazing at natural consequences!)
It shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:21
So from their hubris and idolatry, they are dispersed and there is now enmity among peoples and nations and the idolatry they had in their hearts becomes manifested in gods and deities of nations; worship outside of and opposed to Yahweh.
But God is One who redeems peoples and nations, and creation itself!
When Jesus conquered sin, death, and the Devil, He also sent the Holy Spirit, through Whom order was restored from chaos; peace from confusion; law from lawlessness.
Yahweh is the God of and for all, and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). Everyone!
The only Nation with standing now is the Nation of the Lord! The only peoples who have standing are the people of the Lord! The only boasts we or anyone has is of the Lord!
Jesus’ victory brings all together under His lordship, His reign, His dominion!
He is lord of all; for all time; for all peoples and nations!
Praise the Lord!
“Gracious Lord Jesus, thank You for Your victory and for redeeming all peoples, nations, and creation itself under Your rule! Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to fill, direct, and move us to see how You see, love how You love, speak how You speak, and serve how You serve. Move us to look upon all with the same mercy and grace as You do and have shown through Your redemption. In Your precious Name do we pray. Amen!”
Scripture
- Genesis 11:1–9
- Acts 2:1–21
- Psalm 25:1–5 (Responsory)
