Daily Devotional for Monday, December 5

The Nations That Were at Jerusalem

“We are having a very difficult time here, sir. The people will not cooperate with one another, and we are divided. Even though our island is small, we cannot communicate well enough with each other to make a good plan for development. And we often fight among ourselves so that any effort to be united, ends in failure. We have resources, but we have no agreement.”—Memoirs of a Missionary, Glen Knight
Most remote sea islands are crossroads. Perhaps this statement seems a bit odd but the simple fact is that migrant people at sea settle on any dry land they happen to find. Their tiny villages typically begin as resting places for fishermen but with the introduction of chickens, pigs and coconuts, they become known throughout the areas for their sustenance, and people come to stay. Very often as well, shipwrecked seamen remain for years on such islands, transplanting their languages and customs from throughout the world. The dichotomy thus produced could be a boon to any island, but alas, human nature usually spoils that possibility through doubt and suspicion. One thing can change that, when given the opportunity—clear, understandable communication.
Jerusalem was, and remains today, a place of crossroads. Languages, customs and religions from throughout the world characterize the city. Often, this circumstance boils over with conflict, largely because of misunderstanding and lack of clear communication. There are resources for great accomplishment, but there is little agreement among the people. We can see why the Lord chose Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and how, through miraculous intervention, He provided clear communication to all the people who were there, and they heard, “the wonderful works of God” (verse 11).

AN AMAZING TRUTH: Despite our differences, when the message is correct and clear,
understanding follows and real change occurs!

Glen Knight