The Day of the Lord
Scripture Reading — Joel 2:18-32
“Afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
Joel 2:28
The promised land had become a wasteland. The invasion of locusts had devoured everything—wheat fields, grapevines, pastureland. Bread ovens sat cold, grain bins empty, and winepresses idle. Joel said this was God’s rebuke for sin, and he called Israel to repent.
Next we hear a prophecy about the future. God promises that when Israel returns to him, he will lift the curse. The fields will flourish again. The grapevines will sag under clusters of new grapes. The temple will be alive with worship. God will revive his relationship with his people! And the great gift that will bring all these blessings to God’s people is God’s gift of himself—his Spirit!
We share in this hope. The Bible tells us that in ourselves we are dead in sin. We do not desire to love or serve God. But the Spirit of God saturates our soul, creating faith and leading us to “praise the name of the Lord.”
When we believe in Jesus, the curse of our sin is removed. Not only that, but the Holy Spirit also produces fruit in our life. As the Holy Spirit drenches our soul, we come alive in the life Jesus wants from us. Our lives produce a crop of spiritual fruit! We show patience with others. We are filled with compassion for those in need. We are eager to see others come to know the Lord.
How is the Spirit bringing you alive today?
Holy Spirit, thank you for your life-giving work! Bring us to life each day so that we will produce the fruit you desire from us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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