Joel 2:1-17. In this reading Joel uses the recent devastation in the land by locusts, fire, and drought to teach the people about God’s plans for the future. Joel already hinted at the bigger problem of a damaged relationship with God in chapter one. He also mentioned the “day of the Lord” in chapter one. Now here in chapter 2 he begins to teach the people what “the day of the Lord” sill be like, especially for a people who thought that they were God’s chosen people.
Remember that the people of Judah in Joel’s day had turned their backs on god and were worshipping Baal. The queen who had led them in the defection had recently been deposed and replaced with a young king, Joash, who was being led by a faithful old priest named Jehoiada. It was not uncommon for the Israelites to focus on the fact that God had chosen them and made promises to them and feel like they would never suffer. As we saw in the book of Isaiah when they did suffer they were often confused; “How could a chosen people suffer?”
In Joel 2:1-11 we see the “day of the Lord” involves the invasion and destruction of the land by an army. The destruction is described in terms that are very similar to the words used to describe the recent locust attack and other problems they have had. Joel is basically telling the people that they can suffer in that future time of trouble just like they had just suffered from the locusts, fire, and drought.
In verses 12-17 Joel again uses ideas from chapter one when he encourages the people to “return to [God] with all their heart.” They are to fast and weep and mourn. In verse 17 we see that they are to pray for God to spare them. It is clear that they are not exempt from punishment and trouble just bcause god chose to use them to teach the world about us and Him. We also see a picture of the bride and this time the groom too, he is alive and well and with his bride. But they are to interrupt their fun and honor God. Living for God is not just for the priests but for all of us. Our reading today ends with the people being concerned about God’s reputation.
We need to remember that even though God loves us that disobedience and rebellion have consequences; God’s people can suffer. As I pointed out in yesterday’s post not all suffering is a direct response to something we have done, some trouble is just because we live in a messed up world. But we need to be careful that we do not bring trouble on to ourselves by being disobedient and rebellious (sin). And wne we do sin we need to be quick to turn back to God, to “return to him woth all our hearts” (v. 12). When we do we can be sure he is gracious and compassionate and that he will bring good into our lives.
God help me never think that I am above being punished. Help me not think you have abandon me when there is trouble in my life. Help me remember to turn to you no matter what. Let me trust you always with my life. Let my life speak well of you to those around me.