22.8.11

Joel 2:1-32 [Aug. 22, 2011]

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

  • After warning the people of judgment and calling them to repent, Joel moves to revisit the penalty for the sin they committed if they did not repent. As Joel describes the "Day of the LORD" and calls for the alarm to ring out, he tells us the crisis is here and now! Joel also implies the locust plague was just a forerunner to a bigger crisis if repentance was not met.
  • As the punishment is being described you gather that there is nothing that can stop it, even when the judgment is in full swing. It is organized, quick, impenetrable, even the ground quakes in fear. This to me can almost describe the Nazi German invasion. It's like you could insert planes, troops, tanks, helicopters, guns, etc. and all could fit! 
  • Vs. 13 in ESV is awesome, I even circled it:  "...Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
  •  Even though destruction was coming God said it's not too late! Turn back to God while there is still time left! You don't know when you will die, turn to God now before it's too late. Don't let anything hold you back!
  • Beginning of verse 13 shows God wanting an inward, deep remorse over sin, not just an outward show of penitence. Attiude is worth more than action.
  • Where there is repentance, there is hope -- Joel now switches gears to prophesy of God's outpouring of blessings and forgiveness. These would ONLY be received if they repented.
  •  Joel now contrasts fearing judgment with joy of intervention. Sin brings judgment, but God's forgiveness brings joy. Let God intervene! God doesn't promise we will be prosperous now, but he does promise to meet the deepest needs of those that love him--he loves and forgives us, gives us a purpose in life, and gives us a caring Christian community.
  • Judgment and mercy go hand in hand. Repentance will bring mercy on those who repent. God wants not to destroy, but to heal! Accept salvation and repent of sin or we will perish.

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