they're just drunk

Today we hear from the crowd in our reading from Acts 2:1-47 in the One Year Bible. They hear a loud sound, like rushing winds. And then when they run to where the sound came from, they hear the disciples miraculously speaking in all of the languages of the people present. And what do they crowds say in response? "It's a miracle!" "God must be telling us something!" "We should listen to them!" Is that what they said? No. They said, "They must be drunk!"

Because you know, the last time I got drunk, a loud rushing sound came out of the sky and I was suddenly able to speak every language on earth. *eye roll*

So don't be surprised when people say things about you and your relationship with God, either. They accused Jesus of being drunk. They accused Him of having a demon. They said the disciples were drunk AS they were performing a miracle. So of course, they're going to say crazy absurd things about you, too. Don't be surprised when the world hates you. Because when you're not surprised, and you go on loving them anyway, you WILL surprise THEM.

And maybe you'll win their hearts over to God. Maybe.

God, please continue to work through us, even (especially) when the world just doesn't get it.