| Spending time in the Scriptures Joel | by A. Kimber | |||||
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The book of Joel brings before us an episode in the history of the people in which they turned their backs on the Lord. Seeing them doing this the Lord takes steps to bring them back to Himself again. In these three short chapters we are shown both the judgement and mercy of God in relation to His people, it’s only three chapters (seventy three verses) so why not read it now! The first thing we come to is a terrible plague that has swept the land, this is the kind of plague that will be talked about from generation to generation. Locusts have swarmed through the country and have eaten everything in sight. In such circumstances the people of God only have one course of action; to repent before the Lord. So the people are commanded to put on sackcloth, sanctify a fast and cry unto the Lord. The people are warned that in this weakened state they may be invaded by an army who will leave destruction in their wake. Our God is faithful! Ok, you’ve just read that last paragraph and are now wondering what relevance that has; simply this. The people of God have strayed far from Him and He has had to send these judgements, yet the people realise that by turning back to Him they will once again be blessed. No matter how far they have strayed the Lord will replenish them bountifully. As we come to chapter three we have some prophesy against those who do not respect Israel as Gods chosen people. We see that there will be a time of war and that God will judge the nations. He will be His people’s hope, those who have been sold into slavery, and those who have seen the riches taken from them. God will raise them up in strength and God will judge on their behalf and the entire world will know that He is the Lord their God, dwelling in mount Zion. So in Joel we once again see that the Lord judges His people righteously; though continuing this theme Joel takes us to a time yet to come in which the Lord will establish Himself as ruler over his people. A time when all nations who had persecuted them will realise that God still has a plan for Israel. Joel 1:2 Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Joel 2:12-13 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel 2:21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. Joel 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. As always we welcome comments and suggestions, would you have selected different verses? Let me know what you think, it’s always good to get some feedback. You can e-mail me at a.kimber@assemblyyouth.net
All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified. | ||||||
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