Logos -- Acts 2:1-4

This Sunday is Pentecost, and one of the lectionary readings is from Acts 2:

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

We talked about this passage as the basis of our office meeting devotional today. What aspects of the passage jump out at you?

1. "They were all together in one place" -- This event happened in community. Those who experienced this event were not at home alone; they were together in one place. We need community. While we can experience God anywhere -- when we are alone or when we are together -- there is something necessary about gathering together.
2. "Suddenly from the heaven" -- This event wasn't expected. It arrived as a surprise. No one planned it; no one had prepared programming to enhance it. Do we rely on the Holy Spirit to work among us? Do we recognize it when it does?
3. "like the rush of a violent wind" -- It sounds like something that could not be ignored. It sounds like something huge and undeniable. Do we experience the Holy Spirit in that way? Do we allow ourselves to?
4. "A tongue rested on each of them" -- No one was excluded; everyone experienced the presence of God. Do we sometimes assume that is not the case? Are we inclusive enough to expect it?
5. "as the spirit gave them ability" -- Equipped by God to be his witness. Do we allow God to do that? Do we expect to be equipped? Do we realize that God gives us abilities? Do we use them to their capacity? Sometimes I think that if we really did, we would have to give up control. Are we willing to let go?