Other Tongues

Acts 2:2-4

And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

Jesus ordered his disciples to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promised Spirit, the Spirit that would  give them power to be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After Jesus ascended, they went to the upper room and devoted themselves to prayer. When the day of Pentecost arrived, supernatural things began to happen. A mighty rushing wind filled the entire house where they were waiting, and they were all filled with the Spirit. How was it manifested? What changes resulted? First they began to speak and teach the gospel in other tongues because Jerusalem was filled with men from many nations. When these men heard the disciples speaking in their own native tongue, they were amazed and perplexed. Some even mocked accusing the disciples of being drunk.[Although I have never heard drunkenness result in a language fluency.] Into this melee Peter took control quoting OT Scripture and presenting the gospel.

 

I can only imagine how the disciples felt as the Spirit took control of each of their lives. Their identity was now drastically changed. The Spirit was controlling, moving, and accomplishing His work through a mere  human vessel. Likewise, Ephesians teaches that I should be filled with the Spirit and not be drunk with wine. [Funny...same contrast] Yet, how? This concept has always been perplexing to me. Obviously, there is no need for me to speak different tongues, but shouldn't there be the same infilling of power and the same sharing of the gospel? How will I see evidence of this? Is it a slow steady growth pattern?

 

Father,

Teach me what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Help me to live for You each day.Thank You for the great gift of the Spirit who lives within me.

In Jesus name,

Amen