Confusion swept over the people, leaving them with many more questions than answers. What is happening? How is this possible? Where will all of this lead us? How will we survive?

You might think that I am giving a synopsis of the television show Lost. In a way, it fits. But these real questions fit better with the real people lost in confusion on Pentecost (Acts 2). They also fit better with anyone who has ever struggled with these real-life questions.

Amazed and perplexed

A group of strangers gathered in Jerusalem when suddenly a sound like the rushing of a violent wind swirled around them. At the same time they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire hovering over certain individual’s heads, but not burning them. “Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (Acts 2:12).

When it comes to events in our lives that perplex us, we want to know: What does this mean? Does this bode well for me, or does it mean that I am in big trouble? Will this lead to a happy ending?

After two seasons of the TV show Lost, the viewer is still in the dark as to whether the ending will be a happy one. But for those lost in confusion on Pentecost and for those still  perplexed by life’s quirky twists today, the conclusion has been revealed.

Clearing up the confusion

Behind all of the supernatural events on Pentecost the Holy Spirit was at work. To clear up the confusion, he chose Peter as his spokesman. Peter made it clear that these perplexing events did not bode well for the crowd. “Listen to this: Jesus . . .” (Read Acts 2:14-36.)

The name Jesus could mean only the worst news for the crowd gathered that day because they knew very well how they had treated Jesus. “Crucify him! Crucify him!” they had shouted. If God revealed his power among them to exact revenge for how they treated Jesus, they were doomed. They recognized with absolute clarity their sin against Jesus.

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37).

How have we treated Jesus? No matter how perplexing life can seem, we still know with absolute clarity: we have sinned against Jesus. Confusion swirls in our hearts as we consider: How will we survive our sin?

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38,39).