Have You Received the Holy Spirit?

October 26, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“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. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Joel 2:28-29

In the times of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was present and worked among God’s people, but only certain people received the Spirit – people like Joseph who could interpret dreams (Genesis 41:38); Bezalel who was chosen by God to build the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3); Joshua the great leader of God’s people into the Promised land (Numbers 27:18); Othniel was anointed by the Spirit to serve as a judge (Judges 3:10). The list continues with Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Saul, and David. All these men had an appointed role within the nation of Israel. These men were the exceptions throughout Israel as God’s Spirit was within them.

Here, Joel is prophesying of a day when all of God’s people will receive the Holy Spirit. This idea would have been shocking to all, appealing to many, and likely frightening to some. There would not be any more distinctions in God’s people as even the servants would receive God’s Spirit, the young would become prophets, and the old would understand dreams. Clearly, God longed to reveal himself to his people. That revelation would come as God came to dwell within his people and not just among his people. Jeremiah also spoke of this day: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33).

Changed hearts lead to changed lives. To know the law with one’s mind is good, but to understand the law with one’s heart is where the power resides. God knows the hearts of his people and sent his Son to transform hearts and then lives. Every child of God could know him personally, have a relationship with him, hear him, and be led by him.

You are living in this day. If you have confessed that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then you have received his Holy Spirit. Are you living in the presence and power of that Spirit? Are you allowing him to equip you for every good work and exercising the gifts that have been entrusted to you? You are living in the glorious New Covenant. May you know and experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit today!

Reflection:

Do you recognize what God has done for you? Have you allowed his Holy Spirit to change your heart and transform your life? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!