Read Joel 2:23-32

Tuesday

Read Joel 2:23-32

²³“Be glad, people of Zion,

rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you.

He has given you the right amount of autumn rain;^b

he has poured down the winter rain for you

and the spring rain as before.

²⁴The threshing places will be full of corn;

the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.

²⁵I will give you back what you lost

in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops.

It was I who sent this army against you.

²⁶Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied.

You will praise the Lord your God,

who has done wonderful things for you.

My people will never be despised again.

²⁷Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you,

and that I, the Lord, am your God

and there is no other.

My people will never be despised again.

Lord

²⁸“Afterwards I will pour out my Spirit on everyone:

your sons and daughters will proclaim my message;

your old people will have dreams,

and your young people will see visions.

²⁹At that time I will pour out my Spirit

even on servants, both men and women.

³⁰“I will give warnings of that day

in the sky and on the earth;

there will be bloodshed, fire, and clouds of smoke.

³¹The sun will be darkened,

and the moon will turn red as blood

before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.

³²But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved.

As the Lord has said,

‘Some in Jerusalem will escape;

those whom I choose will survive.’ ”

Think

The prophets expose corruption and injustice.  They invite Israel to repent.  When Israel repents - they promise God's blessing.  Fertility, abundance, security and peace.

Verses 28 and 29 are quoted by Peter when he preaches in Acts 2:17-21.  The outpouring of the Spirit brings a change of character and new life.

Pray

Pour out your spirit on me.  Teach me to dream dreams and see visions.