The Gospel of the Kingdom.
“How then will they call on Him whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS.'” (Romans 10:14-16; Isaiah 53:1)
Pentecost.
We have not yet seen the total fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. God’s Spirit was poured out upon Christ’s servants at the appointed time, Pentecost. Explaining to those who had gathered and witnessed the phenomena of tongues, Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 almost verbatim. (Acts 2:16-21) These words have yet to be fulfilled, and I find great hope in Joel’s first and Peters last sentence of this prophecy. “And afterward I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Joel 2:28) “And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Acts 2 21)
All people.
How will the Islamic world be reached? How will they call upon Jesus whom they do not know unless God pours out His Spirit upon them? To evangelize or convert brings a death sentence carried out in the name of Islam’s god. The fear of death is overcome when convinced by the Spirit through the Holy Scripture or visions or dreams. I have witnessed the fruit of the Holy Spirit calling a Muslim according to Joel’s prophecy. And I pray that we are drawing closer to Christ’s return.
Not every one will respond to God’s Spirit, they will remain condemned and will be without excuse. You see, God is not wishing that any perish, but that all men come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) He will go to extraordinary lengths to make Himself known. Pray for receptive spirits in Pakistan.
Whom the LORD calls.
Peter did not quote the last verse of Joel’s prophecy. Perhaps it is meant for us to hear today. “For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance as the LORD said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.” (Joel 2 32) When longing for a new beginning remember something has to first end. What if the Father is reminding us to work while it is still day, and that His appointed time is very near? What if? Best to live as those who hear His call.
Pray for the out-pouring of “God’s Spirit on all people.” Pray.
His Family Table 