1. Joel 2:28–29 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What will God do to ensure that his people continue to live faithfully?

Joel 2:28–29 (ESV)

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

God is giving a new gift: his Holy Spirit will fill his people abundantly. The Spirit who filled prophets, priests, and kings so they could perform their special task, is now going to fill everyone personally! The boundlessness that Moses yearned for will one day break forth (Numbers 12:6, see also Numbers 11:29). No one is too young or too old to receive this Spirit. Even adolescents receive this Spirit. There is no difference at this point between men and women. Male and female slaves also receive God’s Spirit (Galatians 3:28). In fact, God already abolishes slavery here. The people should start looking and listening respectfully also to the servants. God’s Spirit can say something to his people also through them.