Acts 2:4: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
This week it is Pentecost, when we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church for the first time and the preaching of the gospel in tongues people from all nations could understand. It is also our special gift day, and we encourage regular members to bring their response forms to the Planned Giving Review.
This week, we are looking together at The Story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 and the events of Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit comes on the day of Pentecost. Both of these events demonstrate the great power of human unity and God’s response to it, but in very different ways.
In Genesis 11:1-9, the story of the Tower of Babel shows how humans were united, but united through pride and rebellion. They wanted to use their Unity to avoid the covenant God had with them for them to Be Fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (Gen 9:1). God responded by confusing their language and in that way God scattered them all over the world.
In contrast, Acts 2 describes how, on the festival of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon believers, uniting people from many nations and languages. The people speaking all different languages were able to hear each other speaking in their own native language and learn about all the wonderful things God had done. This Spirit-led unity did not erase or avoid diversity; instead, it celebrated it. Pentecost affirms that diversity is a divine blessing, and the Spirit enables genuine community where differences are celebrated rather than divided.
We are engaged in spiritual warfare, as Ephesians 6 reminds us, against forces seeking to sow division. The Spirit’s work at Pentecost restores true diversity, transforming fear and prejudice into harmony rooted in God’s love. This power enables us to stand firm in our faith, be guided by the Spirit, and build an authentic community where we can love ourselves, love God, and love each other.
Let’s embrace the Spirit’s call to unity. Not to be united in things that cause division or ‘othering’ but a unity of openness, diversity, love and faith centered on God. As we pray, worship, and serve together in our differences, we participate in God’s victory over division. Our unity testifies to the world that God’s kingdom is a diverse family, united in Christ’s love.
St. George's Church Ramsgate 