It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28 WEB
The prophet Joel is known as one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. In chapter two of his book, beginning with verse twenty-eight, Joel describes the day of the Lord. This prophecy predicts the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Additionally, Joel gives prophecy concerning the end times and the salvation of those who call upon the name of Lord.
After the death, resurrection, and ultimate ascension of Jesus Christ, his disciples gathered for the feast of Pentecost. At that gathering, the Lord fulfilled the promise given through Joel saying, “I will pour out my Spirit.” This occurred as the apostles received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in languages foreign to them. This astonished the listeners who gathered from distant lands. They marveled that men from Galilee spoke in so many varied languages not before known to them.
The Beginning of Birth Pains
Some listeners thought the apostles must be drunk as they could not discern the foreign speech they produced. But the unusual event inspired and perplexed others. Scripture records the bewilderment of those who heard the men speak in their own foreign tongues. We read of this in Acts 2:7-8 which says, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans? How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? WEB”
To explain this event, Peter rose and spoke to the crowd. He explained that this event fulfilled the words of the prophet Joel. He quotes the scripture in which God gives the promise “I will pour out my Spirit” in Acts 2:17-21. From this, we understand that the last days of mankind began nearly two thousand years ago. As Jesus teaches of the onset of the troubles that his followers endure in Matthew 24:8 saying, “But all these things are the beginning of birth pains. WEB”
The Spirit of Truth
When God fulfilled his promise, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,” he made available the Holy Spirit to believers from all nations. The Spirit of God is our Counselor and Comforter. In these times of trials, temptations, and tribulations, we have the Spirit of God to guide us, reminding each believer of the truth of God in our lives.
In several passages, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to those who believe. As we read in John 14:15-16, “If you love me, keep my commandments. I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever. WEB” Also, Jesus says in John 16:13, When he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for pouring out your Spirit to testify to your faithfulness. Guide me with your word. Counsel me with your Spirit. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Messiah
