5^th June

“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out My Spirit upon all people.’ Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on my servants – men and women alike – and they will prophesy.’”

Acts 2:17-18

Long ago, through the prophet Joel, a prophecy was foretold, that God’s very Spirit would be poured out on all mankind. Jesus alluded to this many times throughout His earthly life and ministry. He promised that when He ascended after His resurrection, that all the disciples and followers of Jesus would be ‘baptised with the Holy Spirit’. Yet what does this mean for us now?

Well, firstly, we must realise, that this promise was not exclusive to the disciples, but for all who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Notice that God said through Joel’s words that His Spirit would be poured out on all people; men, women, servants, kings, rulers and workers. It is not restricted or hindered by who you are. If you believe, He will freely give you the gift of His Spirit.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit, is not some strange mist flowing around us. The Holy Spirit is a person. He lives in us, to empower us to live for Jesus, He supernaturally reveals Jesus to us, He leads us, He guides us, He comforts us, He convicts us of our sins when we do wrong but also leads us to the grace and mercy found in Jesus’ love. He helps us pray. He gives us supernatural gifts to extend God’s Kingdom here on this earth. He produces Godly fruit in us, so that we might reflect Jesus in the world around us. He makes us brave and bold to share the Good news. He reveals God’s word to us, helping us understand the mysteries of God’s heart. This is who the Spirit is and He lives in us. Let us thank Him for the work He does, and for the wonderful day of Pentecost when He poured Himself out for ALL of humanity!