May 21st Weekly Word

Pentecost: The Gospel for the Nations

As many of you know, I previously worked for Wycliffe Bible Translators, where Ginger still serves. Wycliffe is devoted to making Scripture available to all people in the languages they understand best. As part of my work, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Tanzania and be involved with the celebration of a newly published New Testament in Burunge – a minority language of roughly 40,000 people. The people were joyful to have God's Word in their language. As you can see from the photo, expressions of elation broke out in the form of dancing, singing, and praising God.

I'm remembering this trip as I reflect on the readings for Pentecost because something like it happened on that first day of the Church's existence. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples and they proclaimed God's "deeds of power" in the languages of all the people present. Of course, the difference is that this was a supernatural experience whereby the disciples received utterance from the Spirit.

But the point of the event applies still today: God desires to reach every tribe, tongue, and nation with the glorious message of the gospel. Friends, let's not forget this. On the day of the Church's birth, God's first act was to fill his people with the Spirit so that they could proclaim the good news of Jesus to the nations. And that is still our call. Would you take a moment to pray for this? Below is a wonderful prayer from the BCP that you can pray right now.

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP)

Darin+