“And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28 NIV)
Throughout history, God has revealed Himself to people. He often did this through prophets. They were also called “seers” because they perceived what remained hidden from others. God gave them insight into His will, the future, and the spiritual realm. They were then called to share that knowledge with others.
The prophet Joel declared that this would not always be the case. A day was coming when God would pour out His Spirit on all people. Then the mediation of prophets would no longer be necessary. Men and women, old and young alike, would receive dreams and visions and speak God’s words.
This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out. From that moment on, He has dwelt in the heart of every Christian. He gives believers wisdom and spiritual understanding. He convicts them of sin, teaches them to understand and obey God’s will, and directs their eyes to God’s Kingdom—a Kingdom that is invisible, yet profoundly real.
The book of Acts records several examples of believers receiving visions or dreams through which God made His will known. Do you think God still speaks in these ways today? Do you know any examples? What are some other ways God speaks to people?