Joel is a small, 3 chapter, 73 verse Old Testament book. Have you read it lately? The first chapter is filled with a prophetic warning of God's coming judgment. However the second chapter has several wonderful verses that are often referenced because they are so relevant to believers of every era.
For example:
God knew that in Joel's day, tearing one's outer garments was a common sign in of deep sorrow. We may reference this verse to remind ourselves that God expects heartfelt repentance, not mere religious responses. "Rend your heart, and not your garments". (2:13)
God foretold that He would punish Israel for their sin and idolatry by sending a terrible plague of locusts. When we read this verse we are reminded that God can take what is broken and repair it; that God can take a life that has been wasted and still make if fruitful: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." (2:25)
There is one passage that is not familiar, but seems especially significant in this day of increased awareness of the environment. "Be not afraid, O Land ---. Be not afraid, O wild animals ---, Be glad, O people of Zion ---."2:21 -23 This verse parallels the land, animals and the Israelites who will all be recipients of God's restoration. We humans are unique among God's creation, but we are also closely tied to all creation.
We know that God placed us on earth to manage His good creation and that our sin has scarred this whole planet. When Paul writes about our future "glory" he ties it to release and healing that will also come to the realm of nature. "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed --- the creation itself will be liberated ---." Romans 8:19 - 21
The last passage I want to emphasize is the greatest. It is God's wonderful promise of a day when He would pour out His Spirit - not on a king, a priest or a prophet - but on all of His people. "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. --- Even on my servants, both men and women, I will power out my Spirit in those days." 2:28, 29
That day came 40 days after Jesus death, on the Day of Pentecost. The crowd gathered , amazed at hearing the Good News being spoken in many languages by those earliest of Christians. Peter stood with the Eleven and said: "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel ---." Acts 2:16
God gave and continues to give His Spirit abundantly to all who believe and submit to Him; rely on Him; and walk in loyalty and obedience. May we live Spirit filled lives daily, enjoying the Spirit's Power over sin and temptation; for good works and for sharing the Good News.
For example:
God knew that in Joel's day, tearing one's outer garments was a common sign in of deep sorrow. We may reference this verse to remind ourselves that God expects heartfelt repentance, not mere religious responses. "Rend your heart, and not your garments". (2:13)
God foretold that He would punish Israel for their sin and idolatry by sending a terrible plague of locusts. When we read this verse we are reminded that God can take what is broken and repair it; that God can take a life that has been wasted and still make if fruitful: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." (2:25)
There is one passage that is not familiar, but seems especially significant in this day of increased awareness of the environment. "Be not afraid, O Land ---. Be not afraid, O wild animals ---, Be glad, O people of Zion ---."2:21 -23 This verse parallels the land, animals and the Israelites who will all be recipients of God's restoration. We humans are unique among God's creation, but we are also closely tied to all creation.
We know that God placed us on earth to manage His good creation and that our sin has scarred this whole planet. When Paul writes about our future "glory" he ties it to release and healing that will also come to the realm of nature. "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed --- the creation itself will be liberated ---." Romans 8:19 - 21
The last passage I want to emphasize is the greatest. It is God's wonderful promise of a day when He would pour out His Spirit - not on a king, a priest or a prophet - but on all of His people. "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. --- Even on my servants, both men and women, I will power out my Spirit in those days." 2:28, 29
That day came 40 days after Jesus death, on the Day of Pentecost. The crowd gathered , amazed at hearing the Good News being spoken in many languages by those earliest of Christians. Peter stood with the Eleven and said: "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel ---." Acts 2:16
God gave and continues to give His Spirit abundantly to all who believe and submit to Him; rely on Him; and walk in loyalty and obedience. May we live Spirit filled lives daily, enjoying the Spirit's Power over sin and temptation; for good works and for sharing the Good News.
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