Acts 2:12-21

“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” vs. 17

As Luke recounts the events of that Pentecost morning from the perspective of several decades he considers that this outpouring of the Spirit marked the beginning of a new age, exactly what had been foretold by the prophet Joel. All distinctions would be wiped away and everyone would be enabled to give expression to the Holy Spirit of God. Men and women, young and old, even slaves, would be used to bear witness to the wondrous presence of God in the universe. No one would be excluded! It’s a marvelous vision, and one that has been fiendishly difficult to gain a foothold in reality. The old hierarchies have not ceded power willingly and have clung to distinctions with remarkable tenacity. Religious leaders could not imagine that the Spirit could possibly work apart from the old ordinances and commandments. But in some generations and in some places Joel’s vision has established itself and the blessings have been enormous. How good it is when all people are given opportunities to share their peculiar gifts and talents in the work of ministry! As new voices are heard, love abounds, and grace is multiplied, and the work of Christ takes root and grows. What was unleashed on Pentecost simply cannot be contained!

Thought for the Day: What kind of dreams do old men have?