PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Joel 1-2:17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Rend your heart and not your garments.” (Joel 2:13)
It seems that a devastating locust plague has ruined the land and crops.
The people are starving, the leaders are in crisis mode, what shall be done?
In this terrible natural disaster, Joel is calling for a prayer meeting.
Get everyone together, even the seniors and newborns (2:16), and pray.
Interesting though Joel has to tell them to pray from the heart.
Is this an indication that they have not been taking God seriously?
Their religion has been external, a matter of dressing up, putting on a show.
Don’t just look like you are seeking God, actually do it!
Our context is not a plague of locusts, but we do pray, go to church, etc.
In light of challenges facing the church today, should we gather and fast?
Are we trying to solve our own ‘locust’ problem, without including God?
Church feels like going through the motions, putting on a show.
We ‘dress up’ our services the same each week, not even crisis changes things.
What if we rend our hearts AND our church gatherings, and really seek God?
PRAYER
Lord, in the current church crisis, I sense that something needs to change… in me and in the church. Is my heart being torn, am I fasting in the middle of this crisis?
Get serious – read the signs. Is the effects of global warming not telling us something about mankind’s consumptive behaviour? Is God by letting things happen – bad things happen – not simply allowing us to suffer the consequences of our unsustainable stewardship?? Is there not a need for mankind to do what the prophet said to the people of Israel/Judah: “To you, Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field.” Joel warned the people of the destruction that was coming – the signs were there and people were suffering – but there was more to come! Yet with God there is mercy” “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart,”…for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Or allowing calamity. Let us do what the prophet says and acknowledge our God – for He will not ignore the prayers of those who call on Him!
During the turbulent times, the people need to call upon the Lord. I need to call upon Him each day anew that He would lead and guide me in His Way. And the church also needs to come together to praise and worship Him, telling the story of Jesus. However , the church community has been broken. People no longer meet together as we had the habit of doing. We are instructed to come together to worship and not sit at home watching in our PJ’s. We need to come together once again to praise our Lord God.
Let Us Come Together, Praise The Name Of Jesus!
All Ye People Of The Earth Come And See
Let Us Come Together, Praise The Name Of Jesus!
All Ye People Of The Earth Come And Hear
Joy Is Like The Sunshine Raining Down Upon Us
Love Is Like A Golden Crown
So Let Us Come Together, Praise The Name Of Jesus!