July 12, 2007

“Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’” Acts 2:13.
When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the followers of Jesus at the Festival of Pentecost, He appeared in a manner that was strange to the thousands who had witnessed His coming. On top of this, these followers of Jesus were now acting way too happy. So much so that some in the crowd thought that they were drunk. This verse indicates how these early followers we made fun of and were mocked. Peter, who was the spokesperson for the disciples on this day, stood up and stated that they could not possibly be drunk, as it was only 9:00 in the morning.
It is amazing that, when God something exciting and new happens in someone’s life, criticism seems to follow. Criticism seems to come no matter what God does. This awe-inspiring event happens at the Jewish Festival of Pentecost, and people find a way to criticize God’s activity. I must admit that there are times when I have been critical of something or some experience that I did not understand or that I thought was unusual. Usually, these critical comments have come out of my own ignorance. And then there are the times when I have retreated from that which God has done in my life because of criticism from others or those around me. Perhaps it was just a comment meant in jest, yet it cut deep and was significant enough to cause me to react and/or to retreat. Critical comments, no matter whether in jest or not, have their power and their effect.
How do you react or respond to new and unusual experiences? Is there that critical streak that rises up within you, or are you willing to embrace new things? How do you react to critical comments made, even if they are made with some humor? It is my desire to maintain my focus on that which the Lord has done or is doing in my life, not giving in to criticism, either in giving it or in receiving it. Take some time today to process this area of criticism. How are you at handling criticism? Have there been comments made to you that caused you to retreat from that which God has spoken to you and to your heart? Take some time to consider what step/s that need to be taken to restore that which God has given you.