2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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WHAT IS THE BOOK OF JOEL ALL ABOUT?
SEP 6
Joel 1-2
Memorise Joel 2:12-13 "Rend your heart, and not your garments"
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF JOEL ALL ABOUT?
The book of Joel is set against the backdrop of a recent locust invasion that had left the whole land of Israel desolate. Everyone was affected by it, such that there was a time of national mourning, weeping and lamenting. So terrible was the calamity that the priests did not even have enough provision to make offerings and sacrifices in the temple. Their land had become desolate, and as a result the people made desolate as well.
In the context of this recent calamity Joel chapter 2 warns of a far greater calamity that is to come. It is as if he is saying, ‘you think what you have suffered is bad? Well think again because something far worse is coming; the day of the Lord!’ He warned that if they do not repent and turn from their evil ways, the Lord’s judgment will come, and it will be something far more terrible than they had ever experienced. Whilst the prophecy was directed at Israel, the fulfilment of it would actually only come at the second return of Christ, for the language that we see in chapter 2 speaks of tribulation judgment, for it is the great and terrible day of the Lord (2:11).
And so the main exhortation for them comes in Joel 2:12-13 where they are exhorted to turn to God with full repentance, and seek the mercies of God. They were to call for a national assembly, and together come before God to weep and plead for mercy. Then amongst these pronouncements of judgment, we see God’s promise of blessing. As they repent, God promises deliverance. The prophecy again looks far to the future and speaks of the millennial blessings that would follow after the judgment. God promises of a time in the future where He will pour down His blessings upon the people, to bring vengeance upon their enemies, and Israel shall know that He is their Lord (Joel 3:17).
Indeed, it is a simple message of sin, judgment, repentance and blessings. A simple exhortation, yet so hard to follow! As we meditate on the book of Joel, we do well to take heed of the warnings – if we think there are certain trials in this life that are too hard to bear, think again for it is nothing compared to the wrath of God that would pour down upon those who sin and rebel against Him! But if we do repent and obey, He will be quick to bless and deliver us.
Thought: God is always just and fair.
Prayer: Lord help me to always be sensitive to sin and quick to repent.
Posted in Teens RPG
Joel 1-2
Memorise Joel 2:12-13 "Rend your heart, and not your garments"
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF JOEL ALL ABOUT?
The book of Joel is set against the backdrop of a recent locust invasion that had left the whole land of Israel desolate. Everyone was affected by it, such that there was a time of national mourning, weeping and lamenting. So terrible was the calamity that the priests did not even have enough provision to make offerings and sacrifices in the temple. Their land had become desolate, and as a result the people made desolate as well.
In the context of this recent calamity Joel chapter 2 warns of a far greater calamity that is to come. It is as if he is saying, ‘you think what you have suffered is bad? Well think again because something far worse is coming; the day of the Lord!’ He warned that if they do not repent and turn from their evil ways, the Lord’s judgment will come, and it will be something far more terrible than they had ever experienced. Whilst the prophecy was directed at Israel, the fulfilment of it would actually only come at the second return of Christ, for the language that we see in chapter 2 speaks of tribulation judgment, for it is the great and terrible day of the Lord (2:11).
And so the main exhortation for them comes in Joel 2:12-13 where they are exhorted to turn to God with full repentance, and seek the mercies of God. They were to call for a national assembly, and together come before God to weep and plead for mercy. Then amongst these pronouncements of judgment, we see God’s promise of blessing. As they repent, God promises deliverance. The prophecy again looks far to the future and speaks of the millennial blessings that would follow after the judgment. God promises of a time in the future where He will pour down His blessings upon the people, to bring vengeance upon their enemies, and Israel shall know that He is their Lord (Joel 3:17).
Indeed, it is a simple message of sin, judgment, repentance and blessings. A simple exhortation, yet so hard to follow! As we meditate on the book of Joel, we do well to take heed of the warnings – if we think there are certain trials in this life that are too hard to bear, think again for it is nothing compared to the wrath of God that would pour down upon those who sin and rebel against Him! But if we do repent and obey, He will be quick to bless and deliver us.
Thought: God is always just and fair.
Prayer: Lord help me to always be sensitive to sin and quick to repent.
Posted in Teens RPG