Joel’s Prophecy Was About You

“Then, after doing all those things,

    I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

    Your old men will dream dreams,

    and your young men will see visions.

In those days I will pour out my Spirit

    even on servants—men and women alike.

And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—

    blood and fire and columns of smoke.

The sun will become dark,

    and the moon will turn blood red

    before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

    will be saved

In the account of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Apostle Peter quotes the entire above passage during his sermon and declares that Joel’s prophecy has been fulfilled in their experience.  The gift of God’s Spirit was the reason for all the miraculous occurrences of that Pentecost day.  While that may be true, the gifts of the Spirit were not a one-day-only extravaganza.  Joel’s prophecy saw God’s Spirit being poured out “upon all people.”  That includes us as well.  Listen to Peter’s words:

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39)

God’s Spirit brings out different gifts in each of us.  I love spotting the gifts in other people – that divine spark that is evident as they do something that is obviously God-breathed.  I hear the gift of prophecy in friends and colleagues speaking passionately about our need to defend those who cannot currently defend themselves.  I see the gift of mercy in congregation members reaching out with loving care for those who are hurting when others didn’t notice the pain.  I’ve experienced the benefit of Spirit-led teachers and God-anointed leaders.  I’ve learned to appreciate the immense value of spiritually gifted administrators and been the recipient of spirit-led encouragement.  I’ve heard the glory of God-breathed music from people simply expressing through music the song God has placed in their heart. 

These gifts of the Spirit are for “all who call upon the name of the Lord.”  That includes you.  Have you sensed God’s presence as you serve others in particular ways?  If you have, do more of the same. You have discovered one of God’s unique spiritual gifts to you.  If you haven’t sensed that presence, ask God to show your gifts.  You can also ask other believers when they have sensed God’s presence in you.  The most important principle here is that you are seeking the truth about the Spirit’s gift in you.  Jesus teaches that those who seek will indeed find. 

Joel’s prophecy is ultimately about all of us.  God wants to do significant things through you and me.  May we all be open to that wonderful possibility and be actively seeking it as we work to serve each other and others.

Prayer:  Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me that I may carry your presence to others in the way that I serve.  Amen

Prayer Focus: Pray for those seeking employment right now. 

Song: Many Gifts , One Spirit