Joel 1:1-20 [Aug. 21, 2011]

King James Version Translation of the Life Application Study Bible
 English Standard Version Journaling Bible

• Joel was a prophet to Judah and his message was to tell that God's judgment comes because of sin, but with God's justice and wrath there is also great, inseparable mercy.

• Joel tells the message of God is to NOT forget! Continually tell the next generation about all the lessons you learn! One of the best gifts you can give to younger people is your life's story so they see and understand your successes and failures.

• Joel gives a very specific, detailed description of judgment from a massive locust swarm that will come or had come. Another view is that the locust swarm was used as a symbol of an invading army. Either way, the point is that God will punish the people for their sin. When it would come, it would be called "The Day of the LORD".

• The people were dulled as a drunk person to their sin. Joel pleaded for the people to snap out of it! Complacency and apathy was characteristic of the entire nation! If they didn't shake out of their apathy and realize the true gravity of their sin and give up the light-hearted attitude to sin, it would be too late. Everything would be destroyed. Peace and prosperity can lull us to sleep. Don't give up spiritual preparation and brokenness for comfort in times of material abundance and peace.

• The people were asked by Joel to be so serious and sorrowful over their sin that they were to wear sackcloth as in a funeral custom to mourn over their sin! Joel also asked them to fast and focus on the LORD and rememer what was truly important!

•  The "Day of the LORD" can refer to an extraordinary happening in the present, near future, or the ultimate final period of history when God judges evil. Even present or near future "Days of the LORD" will always symbolize the final judgment. A judgment of evil and sin and a rewarding of the believers are present at the final judgment. Righteousness and truth will prevail, but not until much suffering is endured first.

• "Without God, devastation is sure." Prepare for "The Day of the LORD" by trusting Him and serving the Savior for true hope and joy!