After the prophet announced a divinely ordained restoration of Judah, and predicted an outpouring of blessings upon those who repented of their sins and turn to the Lord, Joel describes how God will pour out the Holy Spirit universally and make salvation available to all mankind.
“28 And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.”
The prophet then reveals that after God pours out His blessings upon the Hebrew nation, in the way of food, water and a plentiful harvest, He promises to bless them spiritually as well. Jews both young and old will be used as vessels by the Lord as each one shares the truth about Yahweh, and embraces visions brought on by our heavenly Father.
“29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
Next, Joel shares good news about those outside the Jewish religion when he prophesies that God will pour out spiritual blessings upon menservants and maidservants, the Gentiles who by faith, can inherit a place in His kingdom.
“30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.”
Although God will pour out His blessings on many, here Joel tells us of a time when the Lord will take offense to those who refuse to believe, and the prophet describes how blood will flow, fire will burn and the heavens and the earth will show signs of His wrath.
“31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.”
As fire consumes the land of those who oppose the Lord, pillars of smoke will block the sunlight and turn the light of the moon to red as God’s wrath continues to be poured out, like a devastating raging flood.
“32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.”
Lastly, Joel offers hope to those who place their trust in the Lord, surrender their lives to Him who gives life and follow the One by spreading His love and sharing the good news, that all those who believe will be saved from the wages of our sins. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the book of Joel,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use the prophet’s writings in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
