Joel 2:18-32.  Today’s reading continues the though from yesterday.  Yesterday the people were encourage to turn back to God and to not make the mistake that they would not suffer just because they were God’s people.

Today’s reading further encourages the people that if they turn back to God that he will passionately care for them.  He will take care of their physical needs (grain, new wine, and oil) and will help them fulfill their spiritual destiny as well (they will be a good example of God’s care in the eyes of those around them).

In the earlier part of chapter 2 they were told that they would be invaded but now in verse 20 God tells them that he will push the invaders out.  It is interesting that the invaders are described as the “Northern army”.  Many time in the history of Judah since the time of Joel they were invaded.  Usually the invasions would come from the North.  But remember that this chapter is talking about God’s ultimate time of dealing with sin on the earth; the “Day of the Lord”.  That time is talked about in many of the prophets but the ultimate description of God’s final judgment is found in the book of Revelation.  In chapters 16-19 of Revelation we see the land of Judah being invaded by the “kings of the earth”. Their defeat by Jesus results in the beginning of Jesus’ reign on Earth.

Verses 21-27 describe the goodness of having God as king on earth.  There will be plenty to eat and drink and in keeping with the spiritual emphasis of the message the people are also told that God will be in their midst.  For those who think that bringing up the New Testament and the book of Revelation is reading into the book of Joel verses 28-32 of chapter 2 are quoted by Peter in Acts 2:16-21.  In that story Peter is telling some Israelites in Jerusalem that they are seeing the fulfillment of Joel’s prediction in the actions of the believers in Jesus who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to communicate the good news about Jesus in a miraculous way.  The Holy Spirit was promised to his followers by Jesus just before he went up to Heaven after his resurrection and final ministry (Acts 1:8).  That was the beginning of the church.  The church is, in a way, God’s second string, brought in to share Jesus with the world until God takes them out of the game and puts the first string players (Israel) back in. (Daniel 9; 1 Thessalonians 4-5; Revelation).  Joel was foretelling he events which would occur in God’s plan to save mankind from their sins.  Events which started with Adam and Eve, worked out through Abraham and his descendants the Israelites, made further progress through the followers of Jesus (the church), will return to the Israelites and end with people from every tribe, tongue, and nations living with God in Heaven for eternity.  No one is automatically guaranteed a place in Heaven and no one is automatically excluded.  According to Joel it depends on how we respond to God’s mercy.

God thank yo for making a way to heaven for everyone.  Thank you for reaching out to me.  Thank you for waiting for me to respond.  Help others respond to you too.  Judgement is a reality too.  I hope many people miss out on it.  But that cannot be because of who we are, what family we are a part of, where we were born, or even how we live our lives (“for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”; Romans 3:23).  E can only be a part of eternity with you through your forgiveness, made possible by Jesus sacrifice for us.  Let many return to you then they will not fear but rejoice as you provide for them and we all live together with you in eternity.

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.