Acts 2:5-13
Verse 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
While the people in the upper room were still marveling at what was going on, a crowd started to gather outside because they had also heard the sound of a mighty wind but felt nothing and now they were hearing words in their own languages. It was one thing for the believers in the upper room to be shocked by the happenings because they had been praying for God to do a supernatural work, but the people on the street were more like the shepherds in the field that first Christmas night.
These people were in Jerusalem because it was time for one of the festivals where Jewish people were to make the trip to Jerusalem to give their offerings to the Lord as He had commanded. This was likely their first journey back since Passover when Jesus had been crucified. They would have heard of Jesus and maybe have even heard Him speak during His ministry but they may not have been privy to what had been going on since then.
The buzz which was going on in the street was happening possibly in at least 16 languages. Not all of these people could understand each other but they all knew what the others were talking about because they were all experiencing the same thing. But did you notice what they were hearing? It wasn’t just about hearing the words in their own language it was about what those words were.
The believers in the upper room weren’t just trying their new languages on for size, they understood what was going on and it was all God’s doing. Because they knew it was Him they broke out into praise. They were telling of the greatness of God and of His mighty acts. They may have been recounting things they had seen Him do and things He had done in history. Whether they realized it at the moment or not, they were part of a historical moment.
Because they were praising God for all He does, the people hearing in their own languages were being pointed to the God of heaven. This moment of revival was just getting started. What had started in the upper room of a home was now spilling out into the streets of Jerusalem.
Making It Personal
When have you been sparked to praise God because of someone else’s praise? Have you ever praised God in such a way others couldn’t help but praise Him too? What does He deserve your praise for today?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever heard someone praise God and it inspired you to praise Him too? Do you ever praise God in a way that others want to praise Jesus? What can you praise Him for today?
Closing Prayer
Father, we repent that we don’t praise You as often as we should. Give us hearts of praise so that others can know You and Your mighty deeds. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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