The Promise Of The Holy Spirit

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy. Acts 2: 18

This is just a section of the promise God made, which was foretold by His servant Joel. You can read the entire promise as foretold, in the Old Testament Book of Joel, chapter two and verses twenty-eight to thirty-two. This promise is to be fulfilled in the Day of the LORD. It is the time of Redemption, Restoration and Revival. The Scripture verse quoted above, has been chosen for our text this week. It is most explosive, yet utterly self-explanatory. We have been given four major telling points in this given text, which we shall receive as we go through the week.

INCLUSION

The first major telling is to the Inclusion. Inclusion, in that the phrase, “even on”, tells us that those who are being included are not those expected to qualify. They are persons whom others will not consider as eligible or persons, who themselves, do not think of themselves, even in their wildest dreams, as being included in such a heavenly treat of a blessing. It’s no different from a king saying that he has invited the gentry to his state banquet and all other persons; then he announced that even the menial servants of his establishment, have been invited and included.

Pause for a bit and think of yourself. Will your faith allow you to hear the Lord God saying to you these words of grace?

Even you are included in this promise.

Will you believe and accept?

CATCHMENT

The second major telling is to the Catchment. Catchment here refers to the catchment area of people whom God has chosen. The Text tells us that God has named His servants as those to receive His Holy Spirit. But wait! That is not all. God ensures that no misunderstanding takes place, no wondering about what He means and no human input takes place with the understanding of His foretold word. The text lets us know, in plain and simple language, what God has said. “On My servants”, stating clearly that those who are not His servants have no hope of receiving His Holy Spirit.

But God knows us human beings to a tee and leaves no room for human interpretation, human expectation and human reasoning. God makes it abundantly clear that His servants comprise, “both men and women”. Can you see how, in a male dominated world, Creator God makes no distinction? God’s catchment area for the Holy Spirit’s outpouring is inclusive of men and women.

Pause for a bit and think of yourself.

Will your faith allow you to believe that God has called you to be His servant?

Then, whether you are a male or female, regardless of all your other differences – skin colour, stature, birth, denomination and suchlike - do you honestly accept that those things matter not to God? Man or woman, God has already promised the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon you. Will you fully embrace His promise by surrendering your life and all yours to Him?

Tomorrow, we shall continue with the third major telling.