June 21: A Curse Reversal

”11…we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” –Acts 2.11
Early in the history of mankind, we humans conspired to “make a name for ourselves.” As Adam and Eve had done before, the men and women in Genesis 11 sought to stand independently from God. But God’s curse upon them was to scatter their establishments and dissolve their community bonds. They could no longer communicate in one language, and their unity was broken.
If you’ve never thought that language diversity is affected by God’s curse, try to live in a place where you don’t speak the language and then seek out community and try to share your heart with people. There are few things in this world that are more taxing or frustrating. But God did not leave His people in this state of loss and brokenness. On the day of Pentecost, His community-breaking curse upon mankind was reversed. The deepest and most unifying force in existence – the good news of life in Jesus Christ – was communicated through dozens of language barriers. True community and unity are once again possible through the Spirit of God.
1. How have you been frustrated by language and cultural barriers? On the flip side, how have you seen God’s Spirit unite Christians despite such barriers?
2. If language and culture and human similarities are not the essence of true community and unity, what is? Seek to understand this answer, and seek that essence in your relationships.