Rev. J. Loren Russell
Acts 2:7-11 (NKJV)
“Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”
During this season of Lent, (February 14 – March 30) we reflect on the purpose for the occasion. Lent recognizes the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan in the flesh (command this bread stone into bread), in the eye (the devil…, showed Him all the kingdoms), and in the pride of life (throw yourself down). Lent is a time that we shift our focus to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are things we should make a part of our daily lives by adopting a lifestyle of love and compassion for all humanity.
I mention Lent because the text chosen for this week’s meditation tells the story of the Holy Spirit being poured out on everyone in the upper room, then to all of those who were in the surrounding area, none of which would have been possible had Jesus not endured those 40 days of temptation. That single act opened the door and gave anyone and everyone the opportunity to come together in one accord. What I like about Pentecost is how it revealed that we are no longer under the control of our flesh, the lust of the eye, or the allure of power and/or prestige. Not even our cultural or language differences prevents us from being unified, all for one, and one body in Christ.
In these final days of Black History Month, there is a profound message in this narrative for those of us from the African Diaspora. No matter where we are domiciled, what language we speak, where our immediate descendants come from, our place of origin is the continent of Africa. In fact, sociologists will confirm that all humankind originates from the continent of Africa. Culture, language, geographic boundaries are contrived by man, not God. He uses our diversities to make us better, not bitter. We were designed to complement and care for one another despite our differences, as was evidenced in the Pentecost narrative; “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need (vv. 44-45).
The author of this letter concludes with a summation of Peter’s sermon by sharing, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (vv. 46-47).
The endurance and the sacrifice of one man has given everyone the opportunity to be unified and in one accord. Jesus Christ alone made it all possible. Now, those of the broad family of believers of today’s church, and particularly those of us who are of the African Diaspora, are challenged to become all for one by emulating the actions of those who birthed the church on the day of Pentecost.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Matters of FaithYouTube Channel andFacebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ us. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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