GOD’s PROMISE to POUR OUT His SPIRIT upon us!
September
20 Bible Reading: Joel Chapters 1-3
GOD’s PROMISE to POUR OUT His SPIRIT upon us!
"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, Your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in
those days." (Joel 2:28-29)
This is the
prophecy for which Joel has become most famous in modern days. This prophecy must
be considered in the light of its context and in the light of its New Testament
usage.
After
describing the physical blessings that would come upon his generation if they
would repent, Joel describes the spiritual blessings that God would bestow upon
His people in the future. This passage was quoted by Peter on the Day of
Pentecost (see Acts 2:17–21) to explain the miracle of speaking in tongues.
Some Bible scholars suggest that Joel’s prophecy was partially fulfilled on the
Day of Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given, but the signs
mentioned in vv. 30–32 will be fulfilled later in connection with the return of
Christ in great glory.
We need to
note that the words “pour out” is
derived from the imagery of Israel’s heavy winter rains; it speaks here of
abundant provision. “All flesh”
anticipates the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in one body in Christ (see
Eph. 2:11–3:6). The ministries of the Spirit mentioned here were experienced in
the early church (see Acts 11:28; 21:9; 2 Cor. 12:1–4; Rev. 1:1–3). The
outpouring of the Spirit and the ministries done through His power will be
accomplished without regard to gender, age, or class.
Christians
are now experiencing the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of Joel’s promise. However,
the prophet also describes other events associated with the “day of the Lord,” which it appears will
not have their ultimate fulfillment until the end times.
The only
condition throughout Joel’s prophecies is true repentance to the Lord, which
involves turning from sin on the one
hand and trusting by faith (with all
one’s heart) on the other. The Old Testament emphasizes repentance (turning) and the New Testament emphasizes faith (trusting). Repentance and faith
are inseparable. That is why repentance
results in turning to the Lord with all one’s heart.
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)
