Was crossing a street in down town Toronto when I saw a modern day prophet. He was standing on the street corner, dressed in kind of hippie clothing, with a blanket thrown over his shoulder that reminded me of a “rough garment.” A younger man stood beside him, holding a thick staff. But it wasn’t just this unusual sight that made me take notice. In a loud voice he was reading from a homemade scroll, “Woe unto thee, Babylon, thou that dwellest upon many waters, for thine end is come! Thou hast increased goods…”
I didn’t think this man was at all crazy. His words were clear and coherent, but the people passing by didn’t seem to break stride. I couldn’t help but think: “What if this really was Elijah? No one’s listening to him!” But then, Elijah probably wouldn’t be preaching in King James English in Toronto in 1999. Though, like Jeremiah and the Old Testament prophets, this man on the street corner was trying to warn and convince the people and the rulers of God’s impending judgment. I admired him, out there with the hot dog vendors, the businessmen, the hospital staff and the students rushing by, as he declared his conviction — even though no one was listening.
Speaking in tongues
The apostles in the early days had the Holy spirit gift of being able to speak in the languages of many nations. Acts 2 records that there was widespread amazement among the listeners as “every man heard them speak in his on language.” While the apostles were Gall leans, they were given the gifts of being able to communicate the “wonderful works of God” in the tongues of many nations. Some of the listeners doubted, some mocked, some wanted to hear more and some believed.
Today we don’t have the Spirit gifts in the same way as the apostles did. But we still have to learn to speak in languages that others can understand. Otherwise the same issues that came up in the first century are still not resolved: “If all speak in tongues, and there come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad’?” A few carefully chosen words that are relevant to the hearer are of more value than many words that are directed out into the void. A few kind words are of greater help than hours of exhortation to a lonely and tired heart.
As individuals and as a community, we have the ability and potential to share the comfort and good news of the kingdom with people of varied backgrounds and different situations. As in the first century, however, there will be some who mock, some who doubt and some who believe.
As young people, most of us have spent a lot of time in school. Moses and Paul also had schooling in contemporary thought and reason. Paul in particular seems to have been able to use this for good, as it was his discussions in the synagogue and in the market that brought him to the Acropolis by popular demand.
He must have been able to witness in a way that made people stop and think and want to hear more. There on Whirs’ hill he made a rational and clear appeal to the men of Athens, and his argument is still logical and relevant to readers of the Acts.
As young people, we know the language spoken by our peers today; we also know what philosophies are being taught, debated, and accepted or rejected. We’re taught to develop the skills of reason, argument, active listening and critical thinking, as well as exhibit the attributes of leadership and responsibility. These abilities should be applied not just at school and work, but also as useful tools to help us communicate our hope.
Witnessing in everyday life
Perhaps today in our North American society, open air preaching on the street corners is not as effective as in other places and other times — it doesn’t seem as if too many people are willing to listen. But that should be no excuse for our not trying to witness to the hope that lies within us. We have the ability to tell others of our hope, for the Truth can be spoken in many languages, in many different ways. No matter which language we use, we should be speaking of our hope every day!
Words are not always enough to persuade others of the realness of our hope. And our religion is not merely an intellectual pursuit, for we are striving to learn how to love God with our hearts and souls. Others cannot see our hearts, but they can readily perceive our actions, and are only too quick to judge our way of life. There is not always a need to speak in the tongues of men and of angels — a life filled with an honest love and sincere appreciation for the principles of God is a most effective witness.
Jesus showed us the ultimate in love — self-sacrificing love shown in a life dedicated to serving others and showing them the way toward his Father. If this love truly dwells in us, others will not be able to help but see kindness and gentleness manifested both in word and deed. It is by our demonstrating this love that our loyalties to Jesus Christ will be seen and known. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:35).
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and godly fear” (I Pet 3:15).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One