Read
The Lord Will Work
The Lord said:
28 Later, I will give my Spirit
to everyone.
Your sons and daughters
will prophesy.
Your old men
will have dreams,
and your young men
will see visions.
29In those days I will even give
my Spirit to my servants,
both men and women.
30I will work wonders
in the sky above
and on the earth below.
There will be blood and fire
and clouds of smoke.
31 The sun will turn dark,
and the moon
will be as red as blood
before that great
and terrible day
when I appear.
32 Then I, the Lord will save everyone who faithfully worships me. I have promised there will be survivors on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and among them will be my chosen ones.
Reflect
There are three things mentioned in chapter 2 concerning the coming of the day of the Lord: a remarkable outpouring of God’s Spirit (vv 28-29), signs and wonders (vv 30-31), and the promise of salvation for those who trust in the Lord (v 32). About 750 years after Joel’s prophecy these things occurred on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
The theme of the Bible is Jesus, and even though his name isn’t in the book of Joel we find him in the text (vv 30-32). Following Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension the Holy Spirit is poured out, not on select individuals, but on every believer, without distinction or exception, regardless of gender, age or status. When the Spirit came, believers performed signs and wonders. They spoke in other tongues, (Acts 2:4-12). Peter was empowered to preach the Gospel (Acts 2:14-40). As a result about 3,000 people were saved when they repented and were baptized, Acts 2:38-41. The day of Pentecost was just the beginning of remarkable things to come. The outpouring of God’s Spirit resulted in lives being made new and people sharing the gospel. These things continue to this day.
Joel 2:28-32 is quoted in Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:32 is quoted in Romans 10:13. These references in the New Testament underline how when God poured out the Holy Spirit people not only became aware of their sinful state, but also cried out to God for salvation. The good news for sinners is that everyone who turns to Christ and asks for forgiveness will be saved. God will not punish us for what we have done wrong and he will free us from the power that sin once held over us. So the day of the Lord is a day of grace for those who seek the Lord. The converse, sadly and alarmingly, is also true. The day of the Lord is a day of judgment for those who stand against the Lord.
Respond
Lord, thank you that you make it possible for everyone who calls on your name to be delivered from sin. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners