Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, June 5, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: My faith might be strengthened by learning of the faith lives of others.
In the book of Genesis (Gen. 11), God mixes the tongues and scatters a group of people who attempt to build a tower so tall they could make a name for themselves as the people who could reach the heavens. God did not approve of them working together for their own selfish gain, so God put a stop to it.
Here, God does the opposite. God gives everyone the ability to hear in their own language the word of Christ. While the builders of the tower of Babel wanted to exalt themselves, the words of Christ invite people to empty themselves for the exaltation of others. There’s work to be done in the world, and it can be more effectively accomplished if people work together.
As I consider this, it occurs to me I have very few friends that are not Christian. I’m not opposed to having non-Christian friends; I’ve just never taken the time or effort to find friends outside my general sphere of influence. And truthfully, I’m a little afraid to seek friends of differing cultures and religions because I’m afraid of offending them with my ignorance. It’s a tricky business. If I could muster the courage to ask questions, I might just learn something new. I might just make new friends. I might just be strengthened in my own faith as I learn of the faith lives of others.
Perhaps it’s worth a try.
