It was seriously – kind of crazy. No one knew quite what to expect.
When Jesus says, “Wait” – you wait!
When Jesus says, “Stay” – very much like a brand new obedient puppy – seeking approval and possibly treats – “you stay!”
So they waited and “they” stayed!
What they waited and stayed for – they had no idea. Something was coming. Something was going to happen. Something probably pretty big…possibly the kind of event that would blow your sandals off…and so they waited…
Perhaps they should have listened better when Jesus spoke. Perhaps they should have “hung on to his words” a little bit longer…then, they might know for certain.
It was now ten days after he ascended.
Jerusalem was swarming with people. Pilgrims were everywhere – for the celebration of Pentecost. It was an exciting time…to be in the Holy City.
Pentecost was called the “Festival of Weeks.” It was also called the “Festival of Reaping.” Older folks referred to it, as the “Day of First Fruits.” It was a day of thanksgiving…a harvest festival.
People traditionally read from the Book of Ruth at this time of the year – because of its agricultural background and themes.
The Talmud said, “That God gave the Ten Commandments at this time of the year, 49 days after leaving Egypt-land.”
It was also believed that King David, the Greatest King in Israel’s history was both born and died on the day of Pentecost. So, it was pretty big stuff!
And here they were, still stuck in this stinky and cramped little “upper room” somewhere in Jerusalem, where they still were doing some serious hiding. Still afraid… Still cowering…still uncertain about what the future would hold.
There were now 12 of them again. They appointed or voted on or drew straws to allow another to take Judas’ place.
They were all hanging out together in this upper room doing a whole lot of nothing when the sound of this really strong wind rushes through the house.
Was it a tornado? Nope. But by the mess that it created – you would have thought so. Stuff was thrown and strewn everywhere.
Then there were these “tongues of fire” thingy’s that drifted into the house and then finally settled over each of the 12 apostles.
It was weird. Definitely spooky. All they could do was stand there and stare at one other…and wonder what does this mean?
Who does this? What is this?
More importantly “what” does it mean for us and our lives?
When anyone tries to talk, when they try to say anything…when they try to speak…they find themselves speaking in foreign tongues. They sound exactly like the massive groups of foreigners now in Jerusalem for the big celebration.
While it is definitely “pretty cool” it is also “very strange.” “Very Odd…” They supposed that it might come in handy, some day…but for what and when?
Other Jewish folks in the area heard all the ruckus and the commotion, they heard the noise, they saw the curtains blowing out the windows and they decided to check it out – to see for themselves just what was going on up there…
They were pretty amazed that the twelve apostles – who they knew were from Galilee – seemingly were speaking dozens and dozens of different languages.
Some people were scared by the whole spectacle. Others were in awe. Some listened intently. And some wondered what kind of a “sign” this was! It was “funny” because some thought they were just a bunch of “crazy drunks!”
Crazy drunks who were good at speaking ancient Arabic…ancient Hivite…ancient Mede…and something that sounded like Mesopotamian…
And the very next thing you know, Peter is jumping all around and waving his arms for silence…and he has become (of all things) a “motivational speaker!”
It was amazing. It was astonishing. It was beyond anything and everything. It was a gift. It had to be a gift. It certainly wasn’t a curse was it?
And because of this – the disciples/Apostles would be sent out to all nations and to all peoples spreading the good news about Jesus…telling everyone and anyone that would listen (in their native tongues)…that Jesus was the Messiah, the holy one of God. Repent and be baptized they said…
And so, the church began.