SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:1-11
OBSERVATIONS
1. (v.1) Do we even imagine that “the day of the Lord” might come upon us, or are we living at ease in Zion? Although it speaks prophetically of the final day of judgment, it was also a historical event for Israel, and it could happen again today (think of what is happening in many parts of the world today).
APPLICATION: I wonder whether we have been lulled into apathy and carelessness, enjoying our comfort and wealth and ignoring our calling and purpose. Should we “blow the trumpet in Zion” and “sound the alarm” in the church?
2. (vv.2-10) Joel describes the invasion of locusts as the vanguard of the day of the Lord, and that the full brunt of their coming will be total devastation – from “the garden of Eden” to “a desert waste”.
APPLICATION: These are actual, historical occurences – what we might call natural disasters (and what insurance companies call “acts of God”). Do we see natural events as warnings from God (floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes)? Should we?
3. (v.11) “The Lord thunders at the head of His army”. Joel does not have difficulty connecting God to this disaster, seeing it as an example of God’s justice against a sinful nation. Although we should be careful not to pinpoint blame (like Falwell blaming homosexuals for 9-11), in general we need to admit our collective guilt and shame and repent collectively for our own sins.
APPLICATION: I believe that God is at work in the circumstances of my life, allowing me to experience the consequences of my folly, allowing my life to teach and warn me about living apart from Him. This is not God’s being vindictive, but His gracious, loving discipline, calling me back before it is too late.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for my stubborn heart, forgive me for being casual and careless about my life, my calling, my purpose. All around us You give us opportunities to live for You, serve Your purpose. Help me not to miss Your loving admonition. Amen.
Here I read of the alarm to the people of God’s judgements – that of locusts and/or of a conquering nation. These acts are acts of jedgement and should turn the hearts of the people to seek God. How do I see the acts of God today through the various events happening in the world? How do these events in history turn me toward Jesus – do I have expressions of sorrow, shame, weeping, fasting mourning for the sins I have committed? Lord hear my prayer and forgive me of my sins. Help me to see You in all the happenings in the world today. Help me to hear Your voice and share Your light. Use me Lord as Your servant. Let Your World as found in Joel make others also aware of the fatal consequences of sin.
Great King of nations, hear our prayer
While at Thy feet we fall
And humbly with united cry
To Thee for mercy call.
The guilt is ours, but grace is Thine;
Oh, turn us not away,
But hear us from Thy lofty throne
And help us when we pray.