Today's Reading: Acts 2:1-21 Daily Lectionary: Numbers 24:1-25; Luke 23:1-25 But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." (Acts 2:13) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today, we hear the account of what happened on Pentecost. The believers were all together. The mighty rushing wind blew around them, and then tongues of flame appeared on the believers' heads as the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church and the disciples began to speak in tongues. This was not a language of babbling sounds. The apostles were given instant knowledge of complex human languages from all over the world--languages which they had never studied. Jerusalem was a big city, filled with people from all over the world who had gathered for the feast of Pentecost. So many were amazed to hear their native language in this city so far from home. Even in the face of the glory of God in action, there are always some who mock. The Holy Spirit Himself is giving humble believers in Christ the ability to speak languages they've never heard! The crowds are hearing the very first sermons proclaiming the glorious resurrection of Christ! Yet some can only laugh and accuse them of drunkenness. Rather than repenting and believing the Gospel, they make a stupid joke and continue to live in darkness. If Satan could influence people to sneer on this glorious Pentecost day when the Holy Spirit was there in great power, then Satan can always find people to deride the Gospel whenever it is preached or shared. But what is that to us who are in Christ? Their impotent, hate-filled jests cannot stop the Gospel from giving life to all who believe, any more than a person can bring darkness into the world by poking fun at the sun. This message--Christ crucified--has power. The Spirit uses it to create faith, give forgiveness, work peace, and rescue us from death and hell. God grant us courage to not fear little things like jibes and jests when we have the very Gospel of Christ to share. The apostles testified that day about the death and resurrection of Christ, which they witnessed. In that one day, their preaching brought 3,000 people out of death into life in Christ. We still have their testimony that Christ rose from the dead, and we still proclaim it. Nothing stops His power to save through the Gospel, especially not mockery. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord, With all your graces now outpoured On each believer's mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light In holy faith Your Church unite; From every land and every tongue This to Your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung:Alleluia, alleluia! ("Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord," LSB 497, st.1) Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch