9.18.24 - (Joel 2:28-29)

Introduction

Hello Dwell, this is Kenneth.

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Today is Wednesday, September 18th. Thanks for joining us for today's Dwell Kids Daily!

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For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we look to our Great King by opening our hearts to hear from Him through the words of the Bible.

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Reflection

Silence

· As we begin, let us remember that God calls His people, young and old, to be still and know that He is God. Let's take a few seconds to clear our minds, so that we can hear him better.

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Opening Prayer

(Wednesday)

· Gracious God, your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Today, help us walk with you. (from Psalm 119:105)

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Passage

Today’s passage is from Joel, the prophet: Listen to the words of Joel 2:28-29:

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

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.

29  Even on the male and female servants

in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

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Exhortation

Joel was an Old Testament prophet, and he was likely writing toward the end of the Old Testament time. Israel had been in exile in Babylon, and some of them had returned and rebuilt the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. In our passage today, Joel is talking about a future time when God will begin to make all things right. But how will he do it? Joel says that God will pour out his Spirit on all flesh. No matter who you are, male or female, Jew or Gentile, master or slave, young or old, God will give his Spirit to his people. The prophet Isaiah said that when the Spirit is poured out on God’s people it will be like a lush garden sprouting up in the wilderness. New life will come into a weary world.

It’s important to know that the Holy Spirit is a person. He is part of the Trinity. Now, I don’t want to get too complicated, but the Trinity is that ancient awesome mystery that three different persons make up the one God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So when God says that we will pour out his Spirit on his people, he’s saying this his own presence will fill his people! How amazing is that?

And this is exactly what happened at Pentecost in Acts chapter 2! The disciples were in an upstairs room, when all of a sudden a great wind rushed about them, a wind from heaven! And fire fell on them (but didn’t burn them) and the Holy Spirit filled all of them. They rushed out into the street and started preaching, and Peter, the leader, quoted our passage from Joel, telling them that God was now pouring out his Spirit on all people! 3000 people were baptized and received the Holy Spirit that day. And the Church of King Jesus was born! Did you know that if you are a Christian, if you follow Jesus and are a part of his church, then the Holy Spirit is in you? Every day he’s bringing new life. He helps us to speak how God wants us to speak, and to see how God sees.

Call to Action: Why don’t we take a few seconds, right now, to quietly reflect on the wonderful reality that God, the Holy Spirit, dwells in all of his people.

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Closing Prayer

Now, let me pray for us.

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Father, thank you for bringing us into your family. Thank you for sending your Son to save us. Thank you for poring out your Spirit so that we can have new life. Help us today to live in a way that honors you.

Outro

"It's been a joy to be with you." (or something similar)

Tomorrow, we'll be in 2nd Thessalonians 2. Until then, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.

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Alternate Outro (Record Every Time)

Now, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.