Joel
We consider Joel to be a minor prophet, but there is nothing minor about his message. The term minor is used to classify smaller books from the longer writings like Isaiah and Jeremiah. Nothing is really known about this prophet other than in this book of Joel. But what we know about him is less important than his actual ministry and message.
Joel outline:
Joel’s theme and purpose in writing this book was to call people to repentance and to prepare for the coming judgment - ‘The Day of the Lord’. He warns people about the dangers of turning from God and tells them to warn others. He described what God’s judgment looks like - destruction, pain, wailing, fire, drought, and with death not far behind. Only returning to God can fix the situation.
He gave us a detailed description of the severe locust plague followed by a severe famine that hit throughout the land of Judah. He saw this as a sign for the final judgment and warned the people to turn to God. He announced that the day of the Lord was coming and would bring even greater judgment. He shared how God often uses nature and events to get our attention. National or even personal disaster can either turn our hearts and focus back to God or can blind us from the truth. What is important is that we need to be aware that these events pale to God’s judgment to come for those who continue to reject Him and refuse to repent.
When is the Day of the Lord? This is not a specific date. It is a time in the future when the Lord Himself will bring judgment on all man’s sin. It’s a period of judgment and restoration. It consists of the judgement of God’s people, the judgment of foreign nations, and the purification and restoration of God’s people. It will be a day of terror bringing bad news against evil and also of blessing with the good news of God’s promised deliverance. We are to return to the Lord for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and He may even relent and have pity and leave a blessing instead (Joel 2:13-14).
“Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust” – Joel 2:25. Joel prophesied that judgment can be averted if people repent, fast and return to the Lord (Joel 2:13-17). He gives a promise of hope, restoration, blessing, prosperity for the righteous, and those who call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32).
Joel said the day is coming and we should all look to the physical signs and wonders of the earth as a reminder of God’s sovereignty. For those who seek the Lord and turn from their sinful ways, the day of the Lord will be a day of great joy, not terror.
The Bible gives us some of these signs:
Does all this sound familiar to you? We are seeing this now. There are nations who are trying to receive great military power causing unrest and wars. Have you noticed the outbreaks of violence – random shootings, murders, and mass killings? Our TV and movies, and internet is full of sex, drugs, violence, and brutality. We see droughts, wildfires, floods, famines, and even diseases. We are going through covid, flu, RSV, and we should not forget HIV and Aids.
Our society in becoming increasingly hostile toward Christians and there is persecution of Christians in many countries and even in America. All this will get much worse in the Day of the Lord. We can read more about this day in the book of Revelation.
Joel spoke of God’s Spirit being poured out on all people bringing hope for the future. The new work of the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost, fulfilling part of Joel’s prophecy. He says a number of things must happen before this prophecy can be complete. This prophecy will continue to be fulfilled and will be complete when Jesus returns to earth.
We are all sinners, but God did not leave us without help. His Spirit was active then and continues to be active and unstoppable today. The Holy Spirit awakens our dead hearts and minds. If you are a believer, you know the amazing gift of His Spirit. He convicts us of sin and guides us how to live.
We learn about the Holy Spirit from the following verses.
Joel prophesied that all nations will gather against Israel and Jerusalem in the last great battle, but God will be victorious. There will be restoration of the Jews and final victory of true religion.
There is no time to lose. God’s judgment will come swiftly as a thief in the night. “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Today is the day of salvation, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2b. Without repentance, judgment will be harsh and certain. We should not trust in our possessions and status but in Jesus. Only by seeking, trusting, and believing in Jesus’ salvation can we escape His wrath on the Day of the Lord.
Lessons from Joel:
Principle: The Day of the Lord is the day of judgment on all sinners and the rescue of all God’s faithful.
Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah is another minor prophet of God. His name means ‘servant of the Lord’. Nothing is known about him other than in this book. This book is a prophesy against the nation of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau. The Israelites are descendants of Esau’s twin brother, Jacob. The quarrel between the brothers affected their descendants for over 1,000 years.
Obadiah announced God’s judgment against Edomites and prophesied that their kingdom would be destroyed. This book gives hope to Judah by the promise of God’s judgment on this enemy nation and the promise of restoration of God’s people. The theme of Obadiah is “The Day of the Lord”. The purpose is to declare that God will judge the pride of the Edomites and all nations who share their hostility toward the Lord.
The book opens with the vision of Obadiah about Edom. The Edomites had been found guilty of pride. “Pride goes before destruction.” – Proverbs 16:18. They thought themselves greater than they actually were. They were proud of their hidden treasures, their allies, their men of wisdom, their military power, and their pride in the persecution of God’s people. They did nothing to help when Judah was attacked and even rejoiced in their distress. They plundered their wealth and joined in the violence against God’s people.
Would others say you are prideful?
He warned against pride, revenge, and bitterness. He reminds us that we serve the powerful, sovereign God who loves and protects His children. Obadiah spoke about the day of judgment. He wanted them to know that day is near. God gave reasons for His judgment of the Edomites – they did nothing to help Judah and they laughed at Judah’s destruction. He warned, “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” – Obadiah 15. There would be judgment, but also deliverance for those who trust in God. “But the Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.” – Obadiah 17. (Mount Zion is Jerusalem which will be the capitol of the Kingdom of God.) The people of God will rule with the King and the Lord’s eternal Kingdom will be established. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” - Revelation 11:15.
Obadiah’s prophesy is final and sure. The kingdom of Edom will be destroyed completely, because they had been arrogant and prideful toward Israel. Israel will receive punishment, but God will not completely destroy them.
God will overcome on our behalf if we stay true to Him. We must be willing to help others in times of need and not be like Edom. Pride is a sin. We have nothing to be proud of except for Jesus and what He’s done for us.
Esau and the Edomites made their choice and suffered the consequences. Each person will also make their own choices and will suffer the consequences. “They will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” – 1 Peter 4:5. We make choices daily and are responsible for the choices we make. We will have to stand before the Lord and give account of our choices. Christians will not be condemned like the unbelievers (Romans 8:1). But we will have to give an account of how we spent our lives.
Obadiah spoke of God’s ultimate victory for His people. He would bring them home to the promised land and deliver the lands of their enemies into Israel’s hands. “And the kingdom will be the Lord’s.” – Obadiah 21. God will prevail, no matter how things look today. He gives hope to everyone in the salvation in Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Obadiah:
Principle: God’s judgment is coming, but He offers hope and restoration.
This week’s attribute of God is He is Patient. His plan is to restore creation and reconcile all people to Himself. He waits patiently for everyone to repent. God warns of judgment but offers hope. “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” – Joel 2:13b. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9b
Key verses:
Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided in the book of Hosea. Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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