Bible Society: Pentecost Reflections Day 2
Hi Friend
Welcome to day two of your Pentecost reflection series, unpacking the role of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and in our lives. Today we consider the words of a prophet ...
Today’s Bible verses
Joel 2.23–32 (GNB) <https://biblesociety.cmail20.com/t/r-l-tyitjjly-bilwlltil-r/>
'Then the LORD God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live.'
Today’s reflection
Have you ever been caught in a summer storm? The sensation of being drenched by warm rain is something extraordinary to experience. Recently, my home town was hit by a few such deluges, and if you were lucky or unlucky (take your pick) to be caught in one, you’ll have some measure of the true sense of the word ‘downpour’.
What does it look like when the Spirit is poured out? How are we ‘drenched’? The prophecy given to the prophet Joel suggests that the most obvious mark will be an increase in direct communication from God himself. The sort of encounters usually reserved for ‘holy people’ like prophets – prophecies and visions – will now be commonplace for young and old, male and female: in other words, all of God’s people.
The kingdom is for the lost, the last and the least, and often it is those we least expect who become agents of God’s will. And not just in the pages of the Bible. For example, some years ago one of our best friends ended up leaving London and becoming a missionary through a word spoken to her by one of the children she taught at Sunday school. The child, I suspect, was unaware of how God had used her, but the word transformed our friend’s life!
It is important, though, to set this wonderful prophecy of Joel in its proper context. The verses before and after Joel 2.23–32 describe what the true salvation of God looks like – both at a corporate and individual level. God’s favour is restored to his people, and ‘all who ask the LORD for help will be saved’ (verse 32, GNB). This is vital when talking of things like prophecy and visions, because it reminds us that God’s ultimate purpose is our salvation: not just forgiveness of sins, but renewal and wholeness at every level – becoming the people God made us to be.
As God draws us into this wholeness, as we truly recognise that he is our God and we are his children, so the Spirit is poured out into our hearts. This encourages us to trust that as we grow in our relationship with God, he really can, and does, speak to us with words, dreams and visions.
You may or may not have received something like this. But why not seize faith to believe that one day – maybe even soon – you just might?
These Pentecost reflections were written by Revd Matt Trendall, a minister working in Milton Keynes
Today’s prayer
Thank you for pouring out your Spirit. Thank you that you renew us and make us whole. Thank you that you speak to us. Please reveal more of your love and purpose to me. Spirit guide me today.
Today’s action
Take a moment today to ask God to reveal to you something he wants you to know.