SCRIPTURE: JOEL 2
AN ARMY OF LOCUSTS (vs. 1-11)
The blowing of trumpet is a warning to the people of the land that “the day of the Lord” is coming. It will be a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and darkness. There will be fire and flames, and noise of approaching mighty armies. The earth will shake, the sky tremble, the sun and moon are darkened and the star no longer shine.
REND YOUR HEART (vs. 12-17)
The prophet summoned the people to return to God with fasting, weeping and mourning. For the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. He may relent from the sending the calamity.
THE LORD’S ANSWER (vs. 18-27)
The Lord has took pity on His people. He is sending new wine and oil to satisfy them. He will drive the enemies away. He will open pastures with fig trees bearing fruits and vine yielding them riches. He will send abundant showers with autumn and spring rains so that the threshing floor will be filled with grain. He will repay for the years the locust has eaten and have plenty to eat. He will make wonders for them so that they will never again be shamed. Then they will praise the name of the Lord and know that He is their God.
THE DAY OF THE LORD (vs. 28-32)
WHAT GOD WILL DO:
- I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions. (v. 28)
- I will pour out my Spirit on my servants, both men and women in those days. (v. 29)
- I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. (v. 30)
- The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (v. 31)
- Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (v. 32)
THOUGHTS:
IMPORTANT MESSAGES OF JOEL:
- Warning of calamities
- Calling of people to repent
- Promise of blessings to those who accept His salvation.
“The Day of the Lord” is God’s judgment. But if the people will repent, the Lord will save them from judgment. God wants to heal and save but judgment and mercy must go hand in hand. The unrepentant will certainly perish when “the Day of the Lord” comes.