(Further reflections on "The Day of Pentecost"--Sunday 5-Mar-2023)
When a mighty work of God was done in a gathering, people were amazed and perplexed. So naturally, there seemed to be two main responses: inquiry and mockery. The former asked, because they wanted to know. The latter concluded, because they assumed and interpreted spiritual matters with earthly mindset/experiences.
The inquirers asked, "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:12) They sought the meaning of spiritual things that they saw but didn't fully understand. They waited and took the time to see how things will be carried out. They remained humble while waiting.
Mockers concluded, "They are filled with new wine.” (Acts 2:13) They used their earthly experiences or templates to interpret a spiritual matter and as a result, they looked down at God's mighty work, and so they missed and can't see God's mighty work right in front of their eyes.
God's mighty work, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking in other tongues (cf. Acts 2:4) showed how God had fulfilled His promises to His people (e.g. John 14:16-17; 16:7, 13; Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49). Although it happened in the first century, this miracle still sadly continues to put His people in the twenty-first century in two main groups: "inquirers" and "mockers."
Question: Is there room for something in between like "don't want to know" and also "don't like to mock?" Response: An "ignorer" might fit the position.
Question: How about keeping silent about this topic? Response: Sure. A "silencer" would be the case. He/she will either be silent about God's mighty works or silence others who want to declare it.
Question: What if I want to know about it and have been inquiring about this, but never experienced it? Response: Perhaps you should check your heart, motive, and how casual or serious you were seeking/inquiring and desperately wanting to receive it?
Think about these God's mighty works. Noah's ark, for example, was ridiculed by people who did not understand God's instructions and promises for salvations of those who believe. And Jesus' cross was "a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" (1Corinthians 1:23) but salvation for those who believe. And the Spirit's endowment and empowerment were also mocked by those who didn't understand (and did not ask but conclude) and missed the Spirit's empowerment for God's great commission--proclaiming/sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
It's always a bit uncomfortable to undergo a self-examination process. Are you an inquirer or a mocker or an ignorer or a silencer or an unbeliever when it comes to God's mighty works, especially when His works do not fit your traditional/denominational templates or earthly experiences or doubting mindset?
May His grace, love, and mercy be sufficient for every-"ers" above to come to know and experience God's mighty works that He wants to give to all who believe.
Amen.
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Pastor Lap
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