Acts 2:14-21 - But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’

In Acts 2:14-21, on the day of Pentecost, Peter addresses the crowd in Jerusalem who are confused and think the disciples are drunk. He tells them this is not the case, as it is only 9 in the morning. Peter then explains that what they are witnessing is the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Joel, where God declares that He will pour out His Spirit on all people. Sons and daughters will prophesy, young men will see visions, and old men will dream dreams. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a sign that the last days have come. Peter encourages the crowd to pay attention to his words, as this is what God spoke through the prophet Joel.

This passage reminds us of the importance of prophecy and how God continues to speak through His prophets. The prophecy of Joel, spoken hundreds of years before, was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. This shows that God has a plan and His word will not return void. It also reveals that God desires to pour out His Spirit on all people. Both men and women, young and old, are recipients of the Holy Spirit. God uses all of His children in powerful ways. We too can be vessels of His Spirit, speaking words of prophecy, having visions, and dreaming dreams from God. While the gifts of the Spirit operate in different ways in the church today, we can be confident that God still speaks. As we read the prophetic words of Scripture and listen for God's voice, He will guide our steps. It's an encouragement that even in the last days, as darkness seems to grow around us, God promises to pour out His Spirit in power.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the prophecy of Joel that foretold the outpouring on the day of Pentecost. Help us to heed the words of Your prophets that are written in Scripture. May we be attentive to Your voice and receptive to Your Spirit speaking in and through us. Pour out Your Spirit on Your people once again and use us to accomplish Your purposes. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.