Unstoppable! 'This Gift Is for Everyone!' — Acts 2:17-21

Saturday, January 27, 2024

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[Quoting the prophet Joel, Peter said to the crowd on Pentecost,]
'In the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants — men and women alike —
and they will prophesy.
And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below —
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.'
— Acts 2:17-21 NLT

Key Thought

The Holy Spirit couldn't have made God's message any more apparent. What happened on Pentecost was for everyone:
  • All people.
  • Sons and daughters.
  • Young men.
  • Old men.
  • Men and women.
  • Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
Luke also gave a list of nations whose people and languages were present in the crowd at Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11). He used narrative to emphasize the same truth Paul taught in Galatians 3:26-29, namely, that God's salvation includes and involves everyone willing to turn to him and be used by him.

Today's Prayer

Forgive us, Father, for our reluctance to go to all nations. Open our eyes to the many different people you have gifted in your family to share the message of Jesus. Open our hearts to the many different kinds of people who are open to the Good News of Jesus. Holy Spirit, please help us see people as Jesus does. We want to reflect the heart of our Father as we live out his mission to reach all people. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-29; Acts 21:7-9
  • John 10:16

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:17-21 NLT — [Quoting the prophet Joel, Peter said to the crowd on Pentecost,]'In the last days,' God says,'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy.Your young men will see visions,and your old men will dream dreams.In those days I will pour out my Spiriteven on my servants — men and women alike —and they will prophesy.And I will cause wonders in the heavens aboveand signs on the earth below —blood and fire and clouds of smoke.The sun will become dark,and the moon will turn blood redbefore that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.But everyone who calls on the name of the Lordwill be saved.'

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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