Today I read the book of Joel, which talks about a plague of insects, the coming of the Lord, repentance, judgment, and blessings. Today I considered that we are blessed to know what is coming and where, and that as God’s children we can partake of the blessings.
Coming of the Lord
Joel describes a plague, the coming of the Lord, repentance, war, and spiritual awakening. There is a plague of bugs eating everything unlike anything they had ever seen before (Joel 1:1-20). It destroyed all the crops and the grazing land for the animals. There was also drought. Joel follows this with predictions about the coming of the Lord and there being armies with mighty men, earthquakes, and the Lord’s voice being heard by his armies (Joel 2:1-11). Joel urges the people to repent, turn to God, and give God your heart (Joel 2:12-17). Repentance will be followed by an abundance of crops, rain, and God driving away the northern army (Joel 2:18-27). God will have an outpouring of the spirit upon all people giving dreams, prophesy, and visions, and save those that call upon His name (Joel 2:28-32). We should be thankful God gave Joel a roadmap so we know these things are coming and that we can be saved.
Judgment of Judah and Jerusalem’s Enemies
Joel says in the Day of Judgment God will gather all the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:1-16). God will bring all His children from all the nations back. God will judge those who made boys harlots, bought girls with alcohol, took God’s silver and gold, and sold God’s children. There will be a great war but God will be the hope and strength of His children. While this war will come we are blessed to know where this will take place and that God will win.
Blessings for God’s People
After the battle, everyone will know God won and God will set up a kingdom (Joel 3:17-21). The kingdom will have an abundance of things, like food, with only God’s children allowed entrance into the kingdom. The enemies of God’s children shall live in a barren land. We should thank God that as His children we will among those in His kingdom.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God told us what and where these things will happen, but we do not know when. We should try to keep God in our hearts every day because we do not know when our time on the earth will end or when the coming of the Lord will occur. Have you ever been surprised by the sudden sickness or death of someone you know?
This week I plan on reading the books of Amos, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum.