Acts chapter 2 is one of those passages that, when you read it, feels full of deep meaning. Especially verse 17, where Peter quotes the prophecy of Joel: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this verse not only describes what happened at Pentecost but also points directly to our time, the last days in which we now live.
Why is this verse so important? Well, for starters, it reminds us that God has not stopped speaking to His children. We live in a dispensation of continuous revelation, and that’s something Latter-day Saints understand very well. The restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith is a direct fulfillment of this promise. In Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16, we read how Moses, Elijah, and Elijah the prophet appeared in the Kirtland Temple to restore the priesthood keys. That event wasn’t a coincidence; it was part of God’s plan to prepare the world for the last days.
And speaking of the Holy Spirit, isn’t it amazing to think that He is available to all of us? Acts 2:17 speaks of an outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh, and that includes each one of us. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni tells us: "And by the power of the Holy Ghost, you may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5). That’s something we can experience personally. When we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are promised that He will guide us, comfort us, and help us discern truth. Isn’t that something we all need in these times?
But there’s more. The verse also mentions that young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams. That’s not something that stayed in the past. Today, we see how young people and adults receive inspiration and divine guidance. In Doctrine and Covenants 50:13-14, the Lord promises: "For what I the Lord have spoken, I will make it known unto them by my own power or by my own voice to their ears, or by the power of my Spirit, which shall come upon them and dwell in their hearts." That promise is for everyone, not just the prophets. Each of us can receive personal revelation for our lives and our responsibilities.
And that brings us to another important point: continuous revelation. Latter-day Saints believe that God continues to speak through living prophets and apostles. In Amos 3:7, we read: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets." That’s something we see in our Church. We have a living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, who receives revelation to guide the Church in these times. But not only that, we can also receive personal revelation for our families and our lives. Isn’t it wonderful to know that God is so involved in the details of our existence?
Now, let’s talk about something that’s at the heart of this verse: preparing for the Second Coming. Acts 2:17 is a sign that we are living in the last days, and that means we need to be prepared. In Doctrine and Covenants 133:11, the Lord warns us: "Therefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom." How do we prepare? By following the principles taught in this chapter: seeking the Holy Spirit, studying the scriptures, and following the living prophets. That’s how we can be ready for the Savior’s return.
And finally, we can’t forget the role each of us has in this great plan. Joel’s prophecy isn’t just for the prophets or the leaders of the Church; it’s for everyone. Each of us can be an instrument in God’s hands to carry out His work. As the prophet Joseph Smith said: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized according to the laws of our country, by the will and commandment of God, in the fourth month and on the sixth day of the month which is called April, 1830" (Articles of Faith 1:6). That organization was the beginning of something great, and today we are part of that work.
So, when we read Acts 2:17, it’s not just another verse. It’s a promise, a guide, and an invitation to be part of something grand. God is pouring out His Spirit upon us, and He is calling us to be His witnesses in these last days. Isn’t it exciting to think that we can be part of this prophetic fulfillment? Let’s continue seeking the Holy Spirit, studying the scriptures, and following the living prophets. That way, we’ll be prepared for what’s to come and can fulfill our mission here on earth.
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