“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!

 

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

But what can I do?

In the midst of this pandemic, this question gets asked a lot. In the midst of the economic melt down, with the increasing numbers of people dying and getting infected, being stuck at home because of our age and pre-existing health conditions, it’s natural to feel helpless.

What can I do?

Actually, quite a bit. You can pray.

Queen Mary, better known as Bloody Mary, said of the great reformer John Knox, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the armies of England.”

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Every single revival that has ever taken place has been accompanied by prayer. Every time God has moved in mighty ways, it was prayer that undergirded God’s ministry. Prayer changes everything. There is power in prayer.

Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach.

While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentleman, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?”

They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented.

The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.

What can you do? Change the world. Pray.

“While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Great musicians.

Great athletes.

Great students.

How do people get to a place where they are great in these fields? Untold hours of work and practice. While no one else is watching they are spending untold hours practicing so they can perform when their skills are needed.

Every Christian I know wants to be a good one. That’s a good thing. But we want to be zapped into being good. One moment we were just our normal “me” and then we ask God to make us good and – Zap!

That’s not how it works.

Many are surprised when they discover it takes brutal hours of self-discipline and being stretched through suffering and perseverance in order to be good.

If this is truly our desire, “We must be prepared to do what it takes to produce the inward life of goodness that can transform the soul. Personal formation into the likeness of Christ is arduous and lifelong” (Richard Foster).

So, what do think God’s up to right now in the midst of this pandemic?

Aha! God is at work to shape you and mold you. You’re on your way. Keep at it. Keep up the good work. God is at work in you and me.