Transformed – teen devotion – June 8, 2025

One key truth: The Holy Spirit equips us to share the gospel.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?”
Acts 2:1-8

Pentecost Flips the Script on Babel

If I could time travel, can you guess where I’d go?

Nope, not back to see the dinosaurs (even though that would be epic). Not even to meet Elvis Presley (yeah, ask your grandparents about him). And while going to see baby Jesus sounds like the “churchy” answer, that’s not it either.

I’d actually go to… the Tower of Babel. Wait, what? Seriously? Yup.

Picture this: I step out of my time machine, wearing sunglasses like I’m in some sci-fi movie, and I yell, “HEY PEOPLE OF BABEL—PUT. DOWN. THE. BRICKS!” They all stare at me like, “Who is this time-traveling weirdo?” And I explain, “Because of your big egos and this whole tower-building thing, people in the future have to learn different languages (and I just flunked my Spanish quiz back in high school!).”

Okay, okay… I’m joking. (Sort of.)

But really—have you ever tried talking to someone who doesn’t speak your language? It’s tough. You feel stuck. Awkward. Even a little dumb. Yeah, we’ve got phones that can translate stuff now, but imagine trying to share something super important—like your faith—and not having the words.

Now hit the rewind button again. We’re jumping back to the New Testament—50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, and 10 days after he went back to heaven.

Jesus’ disciples had a huge message to share with the world. But no phone, no Google Translate. So what did God do? He gave them something better—the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost, God flipped the script on Babel. People had come from all over to celebrate a harvest festival. Suddenly, the once-scared disciples were speaking boldly—and everyone heard the message in their own language. No babbling. No confusion. Just clear, powerful words. In fact, the original Greek word used means “intelligent, understandable speech.” (Fun fact: It’s where we get the word “glossary”!)

And guess what? The Holy Spirit is still doing amazing things today. He helps missionaries learn new languages to share Jesus. And he’s given you gifts too—so you can share Jesus in your own way, wherever you are.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me.
Jesus, thank you for dying for me.
Holy Spirit, thank you for the different gifts you’ve given me.
Help me use them to share your love. Amen.