”Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:12
I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase before: “People are likely to criticise things if they don’t know what they’re all about. When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, the people became amazed and confused at the same time. They then moved from confusion to speculation, with one theory being that they were drunk (a laughable theory indeed).
In response to their inquiry, Peter addressed the crowd and explained the significance of what was happening. Drawing from the Old Testament Scriptures, Peter quoted passages from Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, and Psalm 110:1 to illuminate the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Peter’s citation of Joel’s prophecy underscores a crucial shift in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit was often bestowed upon select individuals for specific purposes, such as prophets, kings, and judges. However, Joel prophesied a time when God would pour out His Spirit upon all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. This universal outpouring of the Spirit signifies a new era of divine empowerment and access to God’s presence for every believer.
As followers of Christ today, we are beneficiaries of this promise. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and empowers us for life and service. We don’t need a prophet to tell us God’s mind anymore; we can know his mind for ourselves because we have his Spirit resident in us.
The Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts, guides us into truth, and enables us to bear witness to the gospel effectively. All we have to do is to surrender to the leading of the Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us for the glory of God.
Are you ready? Let us pray
Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, dwelling in me and empowering me for life and service. Help me to yield to the leading of the Spirit in my life, experiencing His fullness and allowing Him to work through me for your kingdom purposes. Grant me a deeper revelation of your Spirit’s presence and power, so that I can walk in obedience and bear witness to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name.
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