Joel 2:28 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

But here we have the sum and substance of the whole in one of the richest promises ever made, as the effect of salvation, and most comprehensive of all blessings. It is impossible to err in the explanation of this passage, or to make a mistake in the application of it. Indeed God the Holy Ghost would not leave it to any human comment, and therefore commissioned Peter the Apostle to take it up, and make it for the subject of his sermon on the day of Pentecost, directly referring to what Joel hath here said, to that glorious event. I beg the Reader therefore to turn to that scripture, and read the whole from beginning to end. Acts 2:1 throughout. It were to hold up a small lighted taper to the sun, to offer any illustration beyond what these two scriptures so fully explain; this part of Joel's prophecy, with the accomplishment of it, as related in that Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. I only beg the Reader to remark with me, what an answer those blessed scriptures then gave to the infidels mockery, of the first descent of the Holy Ghost; and what an everlasting answer the same precious portions of God's Holy Word are unceasingly giving now to modern sceptics, who impiously presume to confine the out-pouring of the Spirit to those early ages of the Church, and to the Apostles of Christ only: as if the work of God the Holy Ghost had ceased, when the Church of Christ was once established: as if his blessed agency was no longer necessary, and his glorious act of regeneration was no longer to be known. Blessed Spirit of all truth! how plain, how evident it is, that agreeably to our Lord's own sure promise, thy presence and thy power was to be known and felt by thy people forever. John 14:16-17. Reader! look over the several interesting particulars in this sweet promise of a covenant God in Christ, and bless God, if so be you find your own personal character marked among the number. Observe. the extensiveness of the blessing, it is upon all flesh; that is, no longer confined to the Jews, but also extending to the Gentile. It is not only upon the priests, but the people also. Not only upon sons, but upon daughters; not only young men and maidens, but old men and children. Not only Masters, but servants: for in the Gospel Church there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, for they are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28. And, Reader, go on to remark in the other part of this most blessed prophecy how fully and completely it hath been confirmed, and is every day confirming in the earth. The out-pouring of the Spirit produceth, as was promised, such wonderful changes in the whole system of men's minds and manners, as carry with them the highest demonstrations that Christ's kingdom of grace reigneth in the hearts of his people. God the Father promised that when he poured his spirit upon the seed of Christ, and his blessing upon his offspring, they should shew the blessed effects of those gifts in their lives and conversation. And here the whole is proved. They call upon the Lord, and the Lord acknowledgeth the call. I will say it is my people, saith the Lord, and they shall say the Lord is my God. See those scriptures, Zechariah 13:9; Galatians 5:22-25; Romans 8:9-16. And while those and the like scriptures, fully prove the gracious effects resulting from the out-pouring of the spirit, in the latter-day dispensation, under the gospel; there is joined with this promise the solemn threatening of God, which will distinguish those characters on whom the regenerating power of the spirit is not found. This is set forth under the strong images of the sun darkened, and the moon turned into blood; intimating the horrible condition of those who count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and do despite to the spirit of grace. Well may everyone that reads this solemn scripture cry out, from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment, good Lord deliver us! Hebrews 10:26-29.