#DailyDevotion Scripture interprets Scripture
January 23rd
Read Joel 2:18–32
Joe 2:27-32 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. (28) “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. (29) Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. (30) “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. (31) The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (32) And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.
Act 2:14-16 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. (15) For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. (16) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:… 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— (23) this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (24) God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it…32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses …38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
And the biblical principle is demonstrated here that scripture interprets scripture. The prophecy, well most of it, which was told through the prophet Joel is demonstrated to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples continues through the waters of holy baptism to fall upon the children of men. We have been given a name, Jesus (the Lord saves) to call upon and are given the assurance that all who put their trust in him shall be saved. At Jesus’ crucifixion signs and wonders were seen in the heavens above to such an extent that the pagan Roman soldier declares, “Surely this was the Son of God.”
There is another day coming; A great and terrible day of the Lord. You will not know the day of its coming though similar signs and wonders will be given in the heavens on that fateful day. Of course if you die before that day it won’t matter much as your fate is sealed on that day. There are only two fates: the stench of your eternal death will come from the lake of fire or you will dwell in the midst of the Lord Jesus Christ in innocence and blessedness forever. So how do you avoid one and enter the other? Peter tells you, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Hate your sin, trust in the name of Jesus Christ, and be baptized into his life, death and resurrection.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us repentance unto life, the gift of baptism and the Holy Spirit that we may enter eternal life with you and the Father. Amen.