Interpreting events
Neil MacLennan
June 09, 2025
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Acts 2: 12-13 (NIVUK)
12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’
Like many Brits I, lamentably, speak only one language. Occasionally some High School French can be dredged from the memory banks. Now that I think about it, though, I do have passable listening skills in ‘Cat’, my interpretation of ‘Wife’ needs improvement (so I’m told) and my kids tell me I’ve not to even attempt ‘GenZ-speak’.
Although I can’t speak or understand other languages, I can realise that another language is being spoken and perhaps even hazard a guess at which it is.
Those who threw ridicule at the proto-Christians and cast them as drunks knew exactly what they were doing. Their goal was to mock, misinterpret, and malign this “rebellious group” and the truth didn’t need to get in their way.
Also, lamentably, this tactic is prevalent in our society and governments. Commit today to challenge such provocation where you encounter it.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, being counter-cultural is a tricky concept. Sometimes we need to embrace cultural trends and sometimes we need to challenge them. Endow us with a gift of discernment that will make it clear to us which is which, and then, a gift of encouragement to take action. Amen.
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