Different seasons of the year are different in appearance, activity, and atmosphere. Each season is unique in those aspects. One factor stands out to me in summer: noise.
Many factors contribute to that noise. We live by the highway and traffic increases almost exponentially. It seems Harley riders like noise and BMW bike riders try to be quiet. Tourists, fishermen, and visitors drive the main highway to their destinations. “Jake brakes” are especially annoying in the early morning hours. Air traffic takes off with more commercial flights overhead and private pilots flying their planes to favorite spots. Construction peaks with both highway projects and buildings going up. There is generally just a lot of noise.
Some noise serves a good purpose at anytime. The psalmist wrote, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD”. Gladness and singing bring us into his presence. Thanksgiving and praise give us an audience with the King of Kings.
Jesus did many mighty works and miracles for the multitudes that followed him. In one instance it was “noised” that he was in the house. Another time he approached Jerusalem and his disciples began to “rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.” Critics told him to rebuke them for being noisy. Jesus replied, “…if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” We can joyfully give voice to heartfelt thanks for the salvation and blessings the Lord has given.
When Jesus was crucified, the disciples were fearful and silent. Behind locked doors they gathered in shared misery. On the third day, news of his empty tomb caused wonder. When they saw the risen Lord, they responded with awe and amazement. Jesus spoke peace to their hearts and minds. For forty days they enjoyed his presence. As he departed from them, he instructed them to go to Jerusalem to wait for the promised Spirit.
The opening chapters of the Book of Acts give an account of what happened. In an upper room, 120 disciples of Jesus prayed and waited with expectation. Suddenly, a sound from heaven as a wind was heard. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and more sound filled the room as they began to speak in different languages. A multitude gathered when this had been “noised abroad.” They heard the disciples speak of the “wonderful works of God.” They
heard Peter’s explanation of what was taking place, his quotes from Scripture, and his commands in Acts 2:38. The crowd grew to 3,000 throughout the day. The commotion and noise increased commensurately.
Many years later, John wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the last book in the Bible. He witnessed wonders of both blessing and judgment. At one point he heard praises to God that sounded like the “voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings.” I can only imagine what that sounded like. I hope you are also determined to find out and experience it for yourself.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
