After a call to repentance there is, in Joel’s prophecy, a shift in theme that reflects God’s characteristic responsiveness to penitence and humility. Joel turns to promises of blessing, in the short-term and for the long-term. The long-term blessing is that of the outpouring of God’s Spirit (2:28-29). This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). In explanation of the remarkable phenomena accompanying the outpouring of the Spirit, Peter quoted this very passage from Joel (Acts 2:16-21). This prophecy does not imply that the Holy Spirit was not operative in Old Testament times at all. What Joel is speaking about is a special ‘anointing’ of God’s Spirit by which people are ordained and empowered for ministry. What is new about this prophecy, and about the new covenant, is the fact that, whereas in former times this anointing was only given to a select few (kings, priests and prophets), in the new age this would be given to all God’s people. This is why Joel is so emphatic about the fact that this anointing will be given to “all people…even on my servants, both men and women”. The point about the visions and dreams is that all these people will become like priests and prophets to the nations. As Peter said on the day of Pentecost, this gift is given to all who repent and are baptised (Acts 2:38). So never doubt, that this gift is for you. The Christian life is a process of living out what the Holy Spirit deposits in us (Philippians 2:12-13). Be a channel not a dam. God pours into us to pour out of us.
Give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice and your place as a child of God, filled with the Spirit.
Read Joel 2:18-32
