I Will Pour Out My Spirit on All Flesh

This meditation is based on a passage for November 12, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Joel 2:28-3:8

Reflection and Question: On Tuesday, we meditated upon Joel’s vision of natural disaster inflicted upon Judah for its sins. As is often the case in the prophets, such doom is attached to a message of restoration. Today we ponder upon a mixture of both. First comes a poetic promise that is quoted in Acts to interpret the day of Pentecost. In less poetic words than Joel’s, all genders, all ages, and all economic classes will be touched by God on this day. Then comes gruesome treatment of Judah’s enemies which is good news for Judah, but bad news for Philistia. When has God’s spirit been poured out upon you?

Prayer: Blessed Spirit of God, through Joel You promised, “Everyone who calls on the name of God will be saved.” We ask that this be so, not only for Judah but also for Philistia, not only for ourselves but for our adversaries as well. May it be so. Amen.