A Vision of Pentecost

Read Joel 2:21-32

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call” (v. 32).

We are introduced to God in the very first verse of the Bible. And then when man comes into the picture, we suddenly see the “Lord God.” He who inhabits eternity is right down here on earth to be near and dear to man; to meet every need and bless man in every way, and fellowship with him. Man has failed God many times, but God has been faithful. He created man with a conscience; then He made a covenant with Noah promising His goodness; afterward He gave the law; next, He gave His Son to take our punishment, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to speak to every man. Thank God, there is a bright side of history repeating itself. There have always been those who have responded favorably to God. God has never overlooked them. He has a “name,” and whoever calls on “the name of the Lord” shall be delivered. This “name is an appellation; it identifies Him.” It is a memorial, a reputation that describes His individuality. Whenever we call, He delivers. We don’t even have to bring a lamb; He provided Himself! He is as near and dear as He was to Adam, and He is more precious than you can explain. This is His identity — no one else is like Him! (L. Wayne Covert)

“What music is to the ear, what beauty is to the eye, what fragrance is to the nasal organs, what air is to the lungs, what water is to the fish — these and more also is divine love to the life of man” (Anonymous).