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Joel 2:28, 29 - Faith and Repentance for the Latter Rain.Joel 2:28 (NKJV) "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.Joel 2:28 (NLT) "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. Joel 2:28 (ESV) "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. WORD STUDY "All flesh" means, among other things, the coming of the Spirit upon God's people democratically. There is no discrimination. The old, the young, the women, the servant class, and all those in that culture least expected to receive divine favor will be recipients of this blessing. 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 O.T. emphasizes repentance (turning) and the N.T. emphasizes faith (trusting). They are two sides of the same coin. Repentance and faith are not synonymous but they are inseparable. One cannot be turning without trusting, nor trusting without turning. That is why repentance resulted in turning to the Lord with all one's heart. [Believer's SB] INTRODUCTION While in the past, God's Spirit seemed available to kings, prophets, and judges, Joel envisioned a time when the Spirit would be available to every believer. Ezekiel also spoke of an outpouring of the Spirit (Ezekiel 39:28-29). God's Spirit is available now to anyone who calls on the Lord (Joel 2:32). [Life Application SB] This prophecy found direct fulfillment at Pentecost (Ac 2:16-21), yet ultimate fulfillment awaits the end time, as expressed in the apocalyptic language of the passage. Some aspects of the prophecy are fulfilled as people accept salvation provided through the work of Christ and the administration of the Spirit. In regard to end times, the prophecy refers to God's final intervention to complete His redemptive work. [Disciple SB] COMMENTARY Handkerchief Faith A handkerchief is an unassuming piece of cloth often used to wipe a nose or the sweat off a brow. However, in the days of the early church, the handkerchiefs that the apostle Paul had touched were being used in the healing of the sick and the casting out of demons (Acts 19:11, 12). It seems that Paul was so full of the Holy Spirit that God honored his unique brand of faith by performing these miracles. God poured out His Spirit upon the apostles and other early believers to provide credibility to the cause of Christ (2:14-18). Likewise, in today's morally decaying society; God is accompanying the proclamation of Jesus' imminent return with great power - the power of His Spirit. This power has been promised to you: "I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh" God is no respecter of persons. The Holy Spirit is a gift to all who believe in Him and ask for Him (Luke 11:13). This gift is what we need to be a beacon of light pointing others to Christ. God is also imbuing us with His Spirit so that we can do greater miracles than what Jesus Himself did (John 14:12). Christ healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead. If God can use Paul's handkerchief, imagine what Christ can do through you. Through unwavering faith in Him, you can do the same! Take time today to build your faith by sharing the good news of the Second Coming. It is promised that we can expect to see more miracles from God. Dear Father, please increase my faith in You and fulfill Your promise to fill me with the Holy Spirit so that we may reach the world for You. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] CLOSING THOUGHT Vessels of the Spirit The Spirit of God has already been poured out in the earth. Everyone who comes to Christ is given the Holy Spirit. This very verse from Joel was used to describe the Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts. We are still in these last days when God is pouring out his Spirit. Some of us will dream prophetic dreams, others will see visions, and still others will prophesy. Do you long to partake in the gifts of the Spirit? Seek him, and you will find him. Yield the leadership of your life to him, and he will guide you. Open up your heart to him, and you will be filled. The children of God are the vessels of his Spirit, and his family is large and ever expanding. As Peter said, all those who long for him must, "Repent and be baptized ... 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). If you haven't already, ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit and wait upon him. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Joel 2:28, 29 - Faith and Repentance for the Latter Rain. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050824-1039.html John 7:37-39 - Are You Thirsty? https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240312-0832.html Proverbs 1:23 - Repent And Receive My Spirit. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240317-1011.html Zechariah 4:6 - Mans Flicker or Gods Flame? https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220104-1033.html Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses into How It Is Done. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240405-0931.html 2 Timothy 1:7 - Holy Spirit Power, Love and Self-Control. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240615-1040.html Acts 2: 2-4 - PENTECOST THEN AND NOW! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190912-1205.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |