SCRIPTURE: Joel 3:1-16
OBSERVATIONS
1. (vv.1-8) Joel declares that a day is coming when all people will be judged according to what they have done to God’s people (that is, the meek and oppressed, the underdogs of all nations).
APPLICATION: The nation of Israel symbolically represents all the meek and oppressed, those whom God is committed, who depend on Him. This is a huge encouragement to remember that cruel victimizers will not be vindicated, but wil one day receive what they deserve for violating God and His children!
2. (vv.7) These were cruel, wicked times, as has been most of history; God’s judgment will consist of giving to people what they gave to others.
APPLICATION: Judgment is not God’s revenge, it is giving people what they asked for, what they gave. Jesus clarifies this as well when He says we will receive according to what we gave (Matthew 7:1-2,12). This is not contrary to “salvation by grace alone”, since it is those who humble themselves and submit to God’s grace will receive His mercy. Those who refuse God will get what they want… for eternity.
3. (vv.9-16) Joel uses historical events (the eventual fall of oppressive governments) to illustrate what will ultimately happen to all nations; as Jesus says, in the end the meek will inherit the earth.
APPLICATION: History bears this out repeatedly, though the wicked seem to prosper, they will fall. This has been the comfort and hope of the meek and abused through the ages, and eventually their abusers were overcome. At the end of the day, things will come out right (see Psalm 73:1-20)
PRAYER:
Lord, remind me not to give up hope when it seems that the wicked seem to succeed, while the oppressed seem to suffer without end. Thank You for identifying with the meek, and for guaranteeing their victory! Amen.