Over the years, I’ve studied many languages and enjoy adding more to my linguistic repertoire. However, I’m far from proficient; and, with most, far less than fluent. From Spanish to German to Hebrew to Greek to Russian to French and Italian, I can smell the coffee with a sprinkling of some while master of none!

But my wife speaks a language that I know nothing about. Sue is a master artisan. In fiber art and needlework, she’s in a class all her own. She writes and publishes her own knitting patterns. I share none of that ability except in appreciation of all the gifts the Lord has given her.

That special language she uses in her published patterns interests me today. I’m looking at strange symbols on a grid. Stitches or a combination of them with her directions on how many to use, and their kind. Knit and purl (yes, that is the correct spelling, oh thou nitpicker!) stitches that can be reversed or manipulated. Lest we forget those yarnovers. What? See what I mean about a language unknown to me?

In Acts chapter 2, we encounter something similar. Uncertain languages become understandable by the gift of God the Holy Spirit. Languages unfathomable now clear as a bell, offering meaning and comprehension. A miracle sourced from God.

Here in Acts, we enter the Feast of Pentecost, a festival in the Jewish calendar to thank the Lord for a successful grain harvest. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a crop of diverse and sundry languages produces a harvest of understanding. God’s people get the point, catch on, know what’s what, and have that ‘aha’ moment.

In the Gospel of John, hear what Jesus promises–‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine, therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you’ (John 16: 12-15). Comprende?

The Holy Spirit helps fade the thick fog that sin rolls in, clearing up confusion over issues about which the Bible speaks plainly and unquestionably, like how to receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Moreover, miraculously, we can understand much of what previously seemed like a foreign language. He’ll grant it if we seek Him.

And you’ll notice that when you’re with another Christian, with whom you have little in common, you’re suddenly in sync, communicating, hearing, and listening to each other. You’re family in the very best sense of the word.

Knit together by God Himself.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit. Help me to hear and understand your will for me today. Amen.