PODCAST
A Giving Spirit
May 20th, 2015
Joel 2:21-32
Joel 2 relates to the coming Messianic period. God promises those who remain true to Him a special outpouring of His Spirit. Peter saw its fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost; “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16). God promises in Joel 2:27, “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God.” God promises His care to those who trust in Him.
The story is told of a poor man who heard singing in the Temple and he went in, prostrated himself on the floor, and worshipped. Other people brought their offerings, but he had none. When the priest asked him to bring an offering, he explained that he had given all he had to a poor widow and he had nothing left. He was offering himself to God, it was all he had. The poor man said, “Is not a broken and contrite spirit what the Lord requires?” The priest knelt beside him and said, “You are blessed, my son, you have offered all you have to give.”*
When we offer our all, we are truly blessed.
*Story by E. Paxton Hood, noted on www.preceptaustin.org in section on Joel 2.
Author: Juanita Weir Nobles
