Mr. Jesus, tear down that wall!

Imagine a young child sitting around a campfire in ancient days asking why there are so many different languages in the world. The Storyteller responds with a lesson on arrogance and pride by telling the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11.

This Sunday we share the story of Pentecost which is a reversal of the Babel story. Through the pride and arrogance of trying to be gods the languages of the world are confused. In the Resurrection and power of the Holy Spirit the peoples of the world are brought together.

Acts 2:7-8 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?

Acts 2:17 I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Acts 2:21 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

This Sunday we reflect on these stories in dialogue with Ron Klusmeier, and Walter Farquharson song, “Walls that Divide.”

Though ancient walls may still stand proud and racial strife be fact
Though boundaries may be lines of hate. Proclaim God’s saving act

Walls that divide are broken down
Christ is our unity
Chains that enslave are thrown aside
Christ is our liberty

This broken world seeks lasing health and vital unity,
God’s people, by God’s word renewed, Cast off all slavery;