An unusual sound interrupted the activities celebrating the first fruits of the spring harvest. Curious Israelites gathered to investigate.
At the center of the commotion a group of men were speaking loudly and boldly. Those listening from other countries heard the wonders of God proclaimed in their own languages. What did all of this mean?
A man called Peter unraveled their bewilderment. He announced God was at work. God was pouring out his Spirit as the prophet Joel had foretold. But there was more.
God had created new possibilities for their lives. Jesus, who had died during Passover, had been raised from the dead and enthroned at God’s right hand – wait for it – as king David had prophesied. God had made Jesus to be Ruler and Messiah.
Later that day the first harvest made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection was gathered by the Lord into his newly formed community. Through Jesus, God created the church.
In a world filled with cynicism about institutions disciples would do well to remember who their Ruler is and to whose community they pertain. The agendas, creative thinking and cultural tastes of humanity did not create the church; God did.
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