Scripture Text: Joel 2:28-32
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Joel 2:28-29, ESV
In his book entitled Keep in Step With the Spirit, J. I. Packer notes, “For most people nowadays Spirit is a vague and colorless word.” More often than not, he explains, they associate it with a mood or attitude.
When some Christians hear the word spirit, they think primarily in terms of power. But when the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit, it reveals that He is a Person. When we are born again, we do not merely receive power to live the Christian life, we are indwelt by a divine Person--the Holy Spirit. This is the unique privilege of all those who trust in Christ. This privilege was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel.
The material blessings upon the land predicted in the previous verses only foreshadowed a much greater blessing that was to come “afterward” (Joel 2:28). Joel’s use of this term signals a general shift in focus. The coming outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the rest of the events he will discuss in the remainder of this book primarily pertain to a time later in the future than the events predicted in the earlier half of the book.
Although the Holy Spirit had been active in Joel’s day, the prophet foretold that in the age to come His ministry would be characterized by three important features. First, Joel promised that it would be an inclusive ministry. Previously, the Holy Spirit had worked through specific individuals. In the coming age He would be poured out “on all people” (Joel 2:28). Joel speaks of the Spirit being poured out on sons and daughters, as well as on old men and young men. All the people of God, regardless of age or gender, are in view.
Reflect
1. How much time do you give in thinking about the Holy Spirit?
2. Do you call for Him each day? Or Run towards Him first thing in the weakest moments in our lives?
3. Do we realize this great blessing and privilege to having God Himself working in us and through us to give glory to the Lord?
Remember
The Apostle Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as the blessing given to everyone who is in Christ. He also spoke of the need to be “filled with the Spirit”. This is not a contradiction. Once we know that the Holy Spirit lives within us, we need to depend upon His power daily to live a life that brings glory to Christ. Pray and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and to help you rely upon Him today.
But when the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit, it reveals that He is a Person. When we are born again, we do not merely receive power to live the Christian life, we are indwelt by a divine Person--the Holy Spirit. This is the unique privilege of all those who trust in Christ.
Read
Acts 2:2-4, 33&39; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 4:6
Pray
Dear LORD, let me always be reminded that Your Holy Spirit is a Person. Holy Spirit I thank You for making me be born again. Let me realize that I did not merely receive power to live this life of faith in Christ, I am indwelt by a divine Person- which is You Holy Spirit. I praise and thank You. Teach me to rely on You with my whole being each moment of my life. This I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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