SCRIPTURE: Joel 3:17-21
OBSERVATIONS
1. (v.17) “Then you will know” is in contrast to “right now”, where do cannot see clearly that God is in control. Right now, the poor are oppressed, the weak seem forgotten, and the wicked prosper. But the day is coming when everyone will know, without a doubt, that God is real, and that He was right!
APPLICATION: Like Paul, I need to remind myself that now I see “a poor reflection as in a mirror; then I shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Right now things do not look right, but one day God will set everything right-side up.
2. (vv.18-19) Joel describes “paradise regained, the promised land flowing with wine, milk and water, in contrast to “Egypt” symbolic of the place of oppression. This has always been God’s plan, to restore His creation paradise, and to uproot wicked and cruel oppressors.
APPLICATION: I cannot imagine a perfect paradise, I have lived so long in this world, I can’t imagine it any different. Is it utopian or escapist, or is this the dream that all people long for, because this is what we were created for?
3. (vv.20-21) Judah and Jerusalem (also known as ‘Zion’) are symbolic for Israel; Israel is symbolic for all the meek and oppressed of all nations who trust in God for mercy and freedom, who according to Jesus will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:3-12).
APPLICATION: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all peoples and all nations at Pentecost (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:1-21) is a part of the unfolding restoration plan of God, restoring His creation to paradise. For this to happen, we need to be changed from the inside out, which is the work of the Spirit. He applies “forgiveness” and “freedom” to us, so that we can enter God’s paradise and live with Him forever!
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for opening the way for me (us) to be restored to God, and the way to God’s restored creation. Show me the way to surrender to Your Spirit, that He may transform me from the inside out. Amen.
The passage describes the blessings of God’s people. The day is coming when the crooked shall be made plain and His Word shall reach the corners of the world. All shall hear that Jesus Christ is Lord. The fountain of ‘Hope’ will reach all the peoples to the ends of the world so they produce the fruits of righteousness as they live joyfully in His presence. His rule will be restored as He reigns in His creation restored. What a blessing that we may kive in that eternal glory now and taste/see His goodness to us each and every day. Open my eyes Lord. Mold me, use me.
Use me Jesus use me. Take this life of mine and use me.
Use me Jesus use me. Keep me by your side and use me.
All I want is to be with you, to ever praise you in all I do.
Teach me Father to learn your ways, and walk with me each day.
Mold me make me, what you would have me be.
I only want to serve you faithfully. Help me Father to truly see
What you have for me.