Dreaming Big- the Effects of God’s Outpouring Joel 2: 28-32NLT
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. 30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. 32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,
Notice, God say’s, I will pour... All people... Sons and daughters will speak the glorious things of God’s word...Old men will dream dreams... Young men seeing visions... Rich and poor, men and women- I will pour... Salvation, Miracles and signs good and bad will occur... Anyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved!
Over 20 years ago, while on my Ins. route I serviced some wonderful clients. Once at this families modest house a woman was telling me about cleaning a mansion in Cartersville. She said, “her sister was on one side of the house and she was on another.”
She said, “God’s Spirit came down upon her, and suddenly she begin to shout and run, as she ran, God’s Spirit came down upon her sister and she begin to shout and run!”
They passed each other in the hallway running full speed!
“O the blessings of God coming down upon the people of God.”
Acts 2:1-4NKJ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4TM When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
Why would these men and women speak in different tongues or languages? To bring mass evangelism; to convince the lost that God can take even common people and ignite revival.
Many Theology’s think that Joel was fulfilled in the book of Acts 2, as God pours out His Spirit upon the 120 believer’s in the upper room while Peter quotes from the book of Joel. Furthermore, the burning of Jerusalem in 70 AD is said to be another fulfillment of Joel’s passage. (Many passages have two or three fold meaning.)
The pouring out of God’s Spirit at Pentecost was not a fulfillment, but a preview and sample of the Spirit’s power and work to be released fully and finally in the Messiah’s Kingdom.
Leading up to our Joel 2:28, Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia had made frequent military incursions in Israel. An extended drought and massive invasion of locusts had stripped every green thing from the land and brought severe economic devastation, leaving the southern kingdom weak.
Hear God’s call to His people. Joel 2:12-14NLT That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. 14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.
In that day, locusts were a judgement on sin, God’s future judgement during the day of the Lord will far exceed that!
Very soon, God will judge His enemies; however, He will bless His faithful. (There’s no mention of the sin that brings judgement, yet it’s possibly due from becoming calloused, cold and indifferent.)
Several characterizes that flow through any pastor and church that grows. “Never discount hunger, passion and compassion these spiritual emotions will carry you!”
Joel 2:15-17NLT Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem!Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. 16 Gather all the people—the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. 17 Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’”
The ram’s horn (was an alarm) change.
Fasting as God’s people came together bought spiritual change.
The priest weeping and praying for God’s people (Humility).
All of this will keep reproach away from the church of the living God.
The theme from the book of Joel is, “the day of the Lord.” These words permeate all parts of Joel’s message. These words are mentioned in the OT 19 times, by 8 different OT authors.
This phrase- “The day of the Lord” is associated with both good and bad events from the past, and the future.
Clearly Joel is referring to the final terrible day of the Lord, but at the same time, the glorious day of the Lord for His saints.
Hear these two scriptures that run parallel during this time line.
Acts 2:17NKJ And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
2 Timothy 3:1NKJ But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
The righteous will shine, dream and have visions, while the unrighteous will sin and eventually suffer for eternity.
Sam Jones grave stone: Daniel 12:2-3NLT Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
Joel 2:31NKJ The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
However listen to Joel 2:32NKJ And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.
CECC dream isn’t for vanity, nor is it selfish, but we are preparing for the groom. (Everything done on earth shows our love for our Eternal Father.)
Prayer.
