No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Acts 2:16-21
Peter begins his lesson to the people with a scripture quote from the prophet Joel, indicating that the coming of the Holy Spirit had been foretold, that God’s “slaves” – those who followed His commands – would be given gifts of visions and prophecy to share. This means that their testimony is true, and should have been expected by those who fear God.
God had long called Israel to be a nation of priests (Exodus 19:6) to proclaim Him to the world. Now with the coming of the Holy Spirit, they have additional guidance and strength to accomplish that mission. Peter’s teaching begins to explain this to those gathered there, showing that God is keeping His promise and that the people need to respond.
God calls us to be part of His nation of priests as well. Our service demonstrates our obedience to Him and our witness to the world that He is Lord of all. May others come to know His love by our example.
Loving Lord, we hear Your call to service through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Make us strong and send us where You would have us go that Your kingdom may come on earth. Amen.