According to the apostle Peter, this prophesy was fulfilled at Pentecost following Jesus’ ascension. Thousands were saved when he preached in the power of the Holy Spirit to the assembled throng (Acts 2:17, 41). After a horrific locust epidemic had destroyed all of Israel and Judah’s crops, the prophet Joel was encouraging the people to turn to God when he made this prophecy. Sometimes tragedy is what we need to pay attention to. We appear to continue day after day under the impression that nothing will change and that God will tolerate our merely passable worship.
The intended effect of the plague was to win back the people’s hearts to the LORD. The LORD blessed the nations and soon restored all they had lost. Then He showed them a preview of an even better day when those who sought Him would experience the outpouring of the Spirit of God into their hearts. The biggest blessing we could ever hope to get is that. That benefit is what prevents us from initially turning away from God. If we will remain motionless and wait upon God, it is the Spirit of God who is present in our spirit and will communicate with us.
You are eligible for this blessing if you have accepted Christ. To truly understand that relationship, you must now tend to it. Seek an ear opening and develop a waiting attitude toward Him (Psalm 40:6). Recognize that He is God by learning to be still (Psalm 46:10). Make sure the information you are receiving aligns with the nature of God and His Word. Next, take a faith-filled action.
Think about how fortunate we are to be living in a time when God’s Spirit is dwelling among His people. Instead of growing stale or complacent, let’s keep seeking to understand the LORD and His plan for our lives in the present.
