Joel 1 – 2:1-27 – The Day of the Lord
Joel describes “the day of the Lord” as a severe plague of locust that eat everything. The fields are ruined; the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed; farmers are in despair; harvests are destroyed; the vines are dried up; the trees are dried up; the grain offerings have been cut off; priests are mourning. There is no joy on earth. Even the animals seem to know it’s a sad time. Joel appeals to the people, the drunkards, the priests and to the elders. He calls for repentance of all the people.
This destruction is brought about because of man’s sin and Joel calls for repentance. God has rules and we must obey. The Scriptures tell us throughout that we can escape God’s wrath by repenting, believing and trusting in Jesus alone. We can be saved. He will always forgive our sins and remember them no more, if we repent and return to Him.
“Render your hearts, not your garments” means to tear to pieces. To rend one’s garment was an ancient custom that signaled intense grief or repentance. God wants rent hearts, which is repentant hearts acknowledging brokenness and the need for His forgiveness and restoration.
God shows He is full of compassion and grace. By repenting the Lord will restore everything. He will take pity on His people and send them grain and new wine enough to satisfy them. The pastures and trees will be green again. He will repay them for the locust years. He will drive the armies far from them. The people will rejoice in the Lord and know that He is the Lord their God. Then He will pour out His Spirit on all who believe. In other words God will restore the lost years, the years without Him. He will multiply fruitfulness and faithfulness.
Principle: God is full of compassion and grace.
Joel 2:28-32 – Spirit Poured Out
God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people who respond to His call. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person in the Trinity and has always been active in history. Acts 2 tells of the Holy Spirit pouring out on all believers at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is active in the world today and has been throughout history. Gen. 1:2 tells us He is the Creator. John 3:3-8 tells us to see the kingdom of God you must be born of water and the Spirit. John 16 tells us He is our Counselor. Acts 2:1-13 tells us the Holy Spirit filled all the believers at Pentecost. 2 Peter 1:21 tells us Scripture was not written by men’s interpretation, but by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit was sent to convict the world of guilt. (John 16:7-11). He applies the truths of God into our minds. Once we are saved and belong to God, the Spirit resides in our hearts forever. Gal. 5:22-23 tells us He begins harvesting His fruit in our lives – the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He is at work in our lives as He guides us to do the right things, helps us make the right decisions, and prompts us as to what to say and do.
It is important that Scripture remind us of the last days, because judgment is coming and people need to repent before it’s too late. Jesus will return. That is a fact and we need to be ready. God promises if we call on the name of the Lord we will be saved. (Joel 2:32) Then we don’t have to worry or fear the future, because we are sealed forever with the seal of God. We are His and no one can take us from Him.
Principle: Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts forever.
Joel 3 – Nations Judge, People Blessed
God controls the destiny of nations and He will be the judge. On that terrible day it will be too late to decide to follow God. The time for the decision to follow Him, is NOW! There will be no escape. God will restore Judah and Jerusalem and He will judge the nations who were against them. (Joel 3:17, Rev. 11:8). Then God will bless His people and Jerusalem will be holy and never again be invaded. (Joel 3:17-21). This will be the Millennial Reign referred to in Revelation.
Principle: God controls the destiny of people and nations.
2 Peter 3 – Be Prepared
Peter reminds us that “the day of the Lord” is coming and we should have wholesome thinking and remember the words of the past holy prophets and the command given by our Savior. When that day comes, there will be scoffers - people who mock Christianity. They will insult and criticize believers. This is happening now, but we are to make every effort to be found spotless and blameless and at peace with God so when the day of the Lord comes we will be ready. We don’t know when Jesus will return. It could be today or next week. God’s timing is not our timing. “… With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping is promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9.
God created time and is not limited by it. Earth’s time is limited and God governs the schedule. He is waiting for more people to repent, but He won’t wait forever. He has defined a day when His final judgment will come to the earth. The time is near. If a 1,000 years is like a day to God then Jesus has been gone only 2 days. That’s something to think about.
2 Peter 3:10-13 tells us the Lord will come like a thief; we won’t know when He’s coming. So until then we ought to live holy and godly lives in preparation of His coming.
Principle: We are to stay prepared because we don’t know when Jesus will return.
Join me next week as we continue our study in Revelation 6. I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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