We earn it
Acts Chapter 2
There is an old commercial about an investment firm featuring British actor John Houseman in his immaculate 3-piece suit, a gold watch dangling from his vest, looking flawless, in a proper, stern way. He looks into the camera and in his own inimitable way says: “We make money the old-fashioned way. We earn it.”
Great commercial. Great motto. We could also say: “I do my job the old-fashioned way. I earn it.” Or: “I serve God the old-fashioned way. I earn it.” Maybe God looks like John Houseman, trim, prim and just a little grim. Sitting on his golden throne with his I-Pad. On that screen is your picture. God adds up the good stuff, then subtracts the bad. And if the total adds up? You’re in: Barely! God then says: “You get to heaven the old-fashioned way. You earn it.”
I laugh and think, “how ridiculous or is it?” Shortly after Easter, Jews from all over are gathered for the Jewish holiday of Pentecost. On that same day, Jesus’ disciples hear roaring sounds of wind, like a tornado sweeping through the area. Tongues of fire settle on each person. Immediately they go out, full of fire and energy, and speak to the crowd in their own languages.
People are amazed. What are they saying? Well, it’s not, “if you want to see Jesus, “do it the old-fashioned way: earn it!” It’s more like, “turn to God and be forgiven. God loves you. God wants to be with you. God wants to guide you. God’s Holy Spirit will change you.” That’s what people desperately needed to hear, and they were converted by the thousands.
We’ve all been accosted by people who wanted to preach at us without having any idea who we are or what we believe. Social media is filled with sincere people who tell us about Jesus, but they are often ignored because for the most part we are full up to our eyeballs with sermons, messages, studies and talks.
So, what does work? If we are to go forth and be witnesses for Jesus. If we are to carry out the message of Pentecost with all the enthusiasm of the original disciples, we need to relearn what God is teaching in this passage of Scripture. It’s not the words, it’s what’s behind the words. What we do speaks so much louder than words but at some point, the words matter too.
At Pentecost the people heard disciples speaking in their own language. What that means is the followers of Jesus related to them by offering grace, comfort, love, and hope. Instead of, “we get to heaven the old-fashioned way?” You hear, “put down your burdens and rest. You are safe with me and my church.”
Prayer Challenge: How can you share this message with others?