JOEL ~ THE BOOK OF GOD'S SEVERITY AND GOODNESS
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Joel, the writer of this prophecy (1:1), means "Jehovah is My God". He is the prophet of the broken heart, the prophet of revival, for he saw that genuine repentance lay at the foundation of all real revival, and this he labored to produce. He is the prophet of the Pentateuch(the first five books of the Bible), inasmuch as 25 references to the books of Moses are found in his prophecy. He is also known as the prophet of Pentecost (2:28, 29).
Joel's prophecy is undated, but his period of prophecy is generally accepted from 835 - 796 B. C. The fact that he mentions priest and elders might indicate his ministry was during Joash's minority (II Kings 11:21). Amos, who prophesied after Joel, was acquainted with some of his prophecies (3:16 with Amos 1:2; 3:8).
Some of the Southern Kingdom's early enemies are mentioned......the Philistines and Phoenicians (3:4) and Egypt and Edom (3:19). Much evidence points to his having been the first prophet. He would have known Elijah and Elisha in his youth.
His ministry was confined to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
There had been a devastating scourge of locusts in the land which had devoured everything and left the people impoverished. This judgment had befallen Judah because of her sins.....chastisement by God to cause His people to see their need of turning to Him. This act by God had been prophesied by Moses (Deuteronomy 28:38-39). Not only did Joel use this catastrophe to call Judah to repentance, but used it to picture a greater judgment yet to come....armies that would invade their land if they continued in sin.
Joel saw a bright side....the day in which God's Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, and the day when Israel's enemy nations would be brought to the valley of Jehoshaphat for judgment. Joel used local things to teach last things. There are 3 chapters, 73 verses, and 2,034 words in his prophecy.
THE KEY VERSES
Joel 2: 12, 13 ~ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Punishment
Like a destroying army of locusts, God's punishment for sin is overwhelming, dreadful, and unavoidable. When it comes, there will be no food, no water, no protection, and no escape. The day for settling accounts with God for how we have lived is fast approaching.
God is one with whom we all must reckon...not nature, the economy, or a foreign invader. We can't ignore or offend God forever. We must pay attention to His message now, or we will face His anger later.
Forgiveness
God stood ready to forgive and restore all those who would come to him and turn away from sin. God wanted to shower His people with His love and restore them to a proper relationship with Him
Forgiveness comes by turning from sin and turning toward God. It is not too late to receive God's forgiveness. God's greatest desire is for you to come to him.
Promise of the Holy Spirit
Joel predicts the time when God will pour out his Holy Spirit on all people. It will be the beginning of new and fresh worship of God by those who believe in Him, as well as the beginning of judgement on all who reject Him.
God is in control. Justice and restoration are in his hands. The Holy Spirit confirms God's love for us just as he did for the first Christians (Acts: 2). We must be faithful to God and place our life under the guidance and power of His Holy Spirit.
Prayer and Supplication
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Prayer is the key to eternal life,
Talk with God and make it right.
He will supply your every need,
If in HIm you will believe.
You must render supplication,
And give Him all your dedication.
Be humble and repent,
And from worldly pleasures relent.
God's judgment is for sure
He will punish those that don't endure.
Heaven or hell is your final home,
The decision is your alone.
God's love is there for you
Just humble yourself and see it through.
A better place is waiting some day,
Repent, believe, accept and PRAY!
Written By Shirley Barr
June 29, 2005
References used: KJV Bible
Life Application Study Bible 1996
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