Remove Confusion

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Acts 2:6, ” And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. “

Background

I’m embarrassed to say it, but many times I am shocked to come home from work and hear that my wife and kids have had a good day. I pray for it, I encourage my wife in her pursuit of it, and I remind and cajole my kids regarding their part in making it a reality. But that doesn’t mean I expect it. I want so dearly for our home to be a respite of peace, a witness to the awesome grace and design that God has for every family. But in the course of a day, there are a lot of things that can go wrong, so many ways and opportunities for strife and frustration and angst to arise, be it during homeschooling, chores, play time, or just sitting down for breakfast. And so, even though I long to hear my wife say that it’s been a good day, and I do hear it often, much more often than not, I’m still somewhat surprised when she gives me that pleasant report. But I shouldn’t be, should I? My confidence should rest in God’s plan and the power of the Holy Spirit to work through my family to unite us in harmony, as well as to grow us into the maturity that honors and glorifies Him. Sometimes what is most plain to us just makes the least sense.

Application

That crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost, men from ” every nation under heaven, ” heard those who were newly filled with the Spirit speaking in their own languages. They clearly heard them talk of God’s wonderful works in their own tongue, yet they were confused. The message came plainly to them, but it didn’t jibe with the messenger. That disconnect is still happening today. The message that the followers of Jesus are declaring isn’t ringing true with the messenger. Our lives, yours and mine, live and love and work and play a certain way, but it confuses the lost. We say this, but do that. We love this, but we can’t give up that. We speak so clearly on Sunday, but what about on Tuesday afternoon? We pray for them in church, but what are we doing for or with them where their lives are a mess? The world is lost, but doesn’t it sometimes seem that we’re the ones with the problem? That’s confusing, isn’t it?

Charge

As we seek Him today, do something to take some of the confusion out of this world, in the name of Jesus.