“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My
Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy (speak under Inspiration), your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions !” Joel 2:28
The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the “Former Rain;” and glorious was the result. But the “Latter Rain” will be still more abundant. What is the Promise to those living in these
last days? —
“Turn you to the Stronghold, ye prisoners of hope (ref: Psalm 18:2); even Today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.” . . . . Today, if you will hear His Voice, and harden not your hearts in unbelief ! . . . . “Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the Latter Rain; so the LORD (Jehovah, Yehuwah) shall make bright clouds, and give them Showers of Rain, to every one grass in the field !” Zechariah 9:11-12 & 10:1, and Hebrews 3:7-8
Christ declares that the Divine Influence (G5485 – Grace) of the Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. But by some this Promise is not appreciated as it should be; its fulfillment is not realized as it might be. Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but without the Presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ !
When His disciples are connected with Christ (One with Him – John 17:21), when the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, even the poorest and most ignorant of them will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest Influence in the universe.
As the Divine endowment–the power of the Holy Spirit–was given to the disciples, so it will today be given to all who seek aright. This Power alone is able to make us wise unto Salvation, and to fit us for the courts above.
“And at that time shall Michael stand up . . . . and they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to Righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever ! . . . . Christ in you, the hope of glory !” Daniel 12:1-3 & Colossians 1:27
Christ wants to give us a Blessing that will make us holy. “These things have I spoken unto you,” He says, “that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, Life-giving. In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself,–a Fountain of Divine influences, to give health and life to the world.
The Promise of the gifts is just as strong and trustworthy now as in the days of the apostles. “These signs shall follow them that believe.” . . . For faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God ! . . . . The gifts of Him Who has all power in heaven and in earth, are in store for His children, — gifts so precious that they come to us through the costly sacrifice of the Redeemer’s blood; gifts that will satisfy the deepest craving of the heart; gifts lasting as eternity.
Will you not come to God as little children, appropriate His Promises, plead them before Him as His Own Words? If you do, you will receive fulness of joy.
Special Testimonies, March 15, 1910