Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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           The Promise of the Holy Spirit

                         Joel 2:28-32

              Dr. Jomi K. Oommen

                St. John’s MTC, NY


“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” - Joel 2:28


 This passage from the Old Testament provides a foresight to the world of the coming of the Messiah. He will abundantly give the gift of His Holy Spirit. Previously, the promise of God was reserved for a select privileged few, such as Jewish priests and prophets. It was only these individuals that were able to “prophesy,” “dream dreams,” and “see visions.” However, upon the coming of the Messiah, all people regardless of their background, socioeconomic class, gender, or age will be invited to share in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. From this enlightenment through the Spirit, any follower of the Messiah will be able to speak about the Spirit and share it with others. Verses 30-31 warn us of the end times, even providing symbols of previous instances of destruction in the Bible, such as blood and fire. The elements of nature (or society) will seem to go amiss like the darkening of the sun and moon. Nevertheless, verse 32 assures us there is hope and salvation for those who “[call] on the name of the Lord.” Calling on the Lord here does not imply saying “Lord, Lord” in vain. Rather, one should worship Him with his/her whole heart and seek His grace and forgiveness in prayer. Embodying His commandments of love and mercy in our actions and words in any setting is one of the greatest ways we can worship Him.  


Jesus Christ the Messiah has since shown us the way to salvation. No matter what we may have done in the past, or if we think that we are unqualified to be a messenger of His good news, there is a role for us in the Kingdom of God. As in 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, His power is made perfect in weakness. When we accept Jesus Christ and the path He has created for us, His Holy Spirit will live in us, guiding us in all matters (John 14:15-17).

                             PRAYER

Lord, prepare us to be a steward of Your Good News in this world. Strengthen us to be a light of Your truth for others. Give us more opportunities to understand more about You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

              THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

You have a unique, integral function in His world, and He will never stop uplifting you when you turn your heart to Him.

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