In His Imageনমুনা

Day 39: The Reversal of Genesis 11

Discover: Acts 2 is the story of the day of Pentecost, where Jesus’ disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is a Jewish festival that draws people from all over the Roman Empire to Jerusalem. A mighty rushing wind fills the room, and they gain the ability to speak in other tongues through the power of the Spirit. Multitudes from different nations gather to hear them speak. They are shocked and amazed to hear and understand in their own languages. Notice that this is the very opposite of what happened in our reading yesterday from Genesis 11.

Learn: Acts 2 carries immense significance in the grand scope of the Holy Scriptures. It marks a major turning point for the Christian faith because the Spirit is now within those who believe, and the body of Christ, His church, begins to take form. Our study today aims to highlight connections between Genesis 11 and Acts 2, as the events at Pentecost reversed the dispersion described in Genesis 11. In Genesis, languages were confused, forcing people to move across the world and form different people groups. In Acts 2, the Spirit speaks through the disciples so that everyone present can understand, regardless of language. This unifies them under the motivation to fellowship found in Jesus. It also allows for the spread of Christ's message to a diverse audience. The source of unity found in Acts 2 is completely opposite of the unity God’s people seek in Genesis 11. At Pentecost, the people want to grow in their fellowship with Christ and to make His name known, not to make a name for themselves.

Apply: The Christian walk is undoubtedly a personal relationship between an individual and Jesus Christ. However, we are not created to be without godly community on this earth. Who we surround ourselves with greatly impacts the direction we take in life. We can spend our time with those who distract and divert our relationship with Jesus or be with a community that walks alongside us and directs us toward the person we want to be in Christ. If you read the rest of Acts 2, you will see the importance and impact that true Christian fellowship can have: unity in Christ that overpowers the world's desires. What does community look like in your life? What people or persons have a positive impact on your walk with Christ? Have you ever found yourself in a community that distracted you more than it directed you in your faith?