“I will pour our 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. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18)
These words were first uttered in the Old Testament through the prophet Joel.
The context of Joel is a pandemic. Sound familiar?
The pandemic faced by Joel and his contemporaries was an unending waves of locusts that devastated the land. There was nothing left after the waves of locusts. This led to a massive famine. And then to make matters worse for the survivors of the initial famine, the carcass of the millions of dead locusts led to disease and death. It is in the midst of this pandemic that God declares he is about to do a new thing.
These words were the sermon Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2 is the recording of what happened as these promises became a new reality. It was the fulfillment of this promise at Pentecost that birthed the church of Jesus Christ. This was the launching point of the movement of Jesus.
Friends, I know these days may look dark and gloomy. But know that God is not done working in and through us. Although the days make look dark, Pentecost is coming. The Spirit of the Lord is still at work to draw the nations and the peoples to himself.
Isn’t it about time for God to do a new thing in our world? Wouldn’t you agree?
Come Lord Holy Spirit!
Praxis: Faith in Action 