Wednesday
Joel is another of the minor prophets who speaks to us at a certain time in history to an issue that is taking place in the life of God’s chosen people.
And, like other prophetic messages this message addresses an immediate (or upcoming) event and at the same time also serves to proclaim God’s word to future generations.
Joel is a hard book to date because there are no specific references that would help, but the message is still just as important. It would appear that the temple has been rebuilt and a thriving, well-organized religious community is in existence. (One that Joel participates in.) So, quite likely Joel speaks to a time after the return of the exiles. In the time when Joel was written an economic disaster has occurred with the invasion of the locusts.
When the community was threatened, an unscheduled prayer service would take place. Joel’s message begins with such a call to prayer. They begin by acknowledging the situation and the effects of the invasion. Terrible things are going to happen, the earth will shake, the heavens tremble, the sun, moon and stars will be darkened. (A foretelling of the end of days). The disaster is the sign that the final day of the Lord is near. But there is good news, this terrible event doesn’t have to happen. And in verses 2:12, Joel tells them (and us) how to be saved from destruction. “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel also goes on to say in verse 13 why we will be saved. “…for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Because of God’s merciful nature, if we repent of our sins, we can be saved.
I think this message from God through the prophet Joel is for us today, as well. God is calling us to repent, to return to Him. There is still hope for our nation, but we must make our nation a nation “under God”.
God is going to judge the nations (3:12). I just hope that our nation will repent and ask for forgiveness.
Joel also tells us of “the day of the Lord” a time when God “will pour out his Spirit on all the people, and sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions. God will pour out His Spirit on men and women.” (2:28-29). I think we are living in this time and I pray that we will recognized what is happening. Jesus is coming, the question for us is, “are we ready?”
Shalom
Pastor Kathy