THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 NKJV)

In his sermon, on the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter quoted the latter part of this prediction by the Prophet (Joel 2:28). Not much is known of this prophet, who probably lived in Judah during the reign of Uzziah. But evidently his anticipation of the outpouring of the Divine Spirit had its fulfillment in those memorable scenes in which the Church of Christ was born.

Before the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit had descended only upon the elect souls of the Hebrew race, upon Abraham and Moses, upon Samuel and Elijah, upon Isaiah and others of the prophets. This supreme gift of God was reserved in those days for the spiritual aristocracy of Israel, for the men who were called to eminent office and responsibility, as kings, prophets, or leaders. But Joel said that the time would come when the Holy Spirit who had been reserved for the few, was to be poured out upon the many, the young men and maidens would prophesy; even the slaves and the most despised classes of the community would partake of the divine experience.

Whatever Pentecost means, it is open to the reception and enjoyment of us all, "Every one of you who repents and is baptized," said St. Peter, "shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." To you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2:38-39). Let's take this to heart.

Many years ago, electricity was the privilege of the few, but now the poorest family may utilize it.  It's the boast of our scientists and inventors that they are able to bring the benefits of their discoveries within the reach of the neediest amongst us. And Pentecost resembles this, in that the forces and gifts of the eternal Spirit are now within the grasp of the feeblest hand which is stretched out to appropriate them. But there must be first the putting away of evil (repentance), the emptying of our hearts of past sins (baptism for the remission of sins), the hunger and thirst of the soul for righteousness, before God can give us our share in the gift which was made once for all to the Church. It must be claimed by each successive believer. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NKJV)

PRAYER

Let Your Holy Spirit dwell in and fill me continually, and make me Your temple and sanctuary for Your praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus' name I pray it, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #295:
I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace.

Psalm 29:11 (WEB)
Yahweh will give strength to his people.
Yahweh will bless his people with peace.