7/16/2012
Joel 2
-The alarms are sounded for the day of the LORD is coming
upon Zion and its inhabitants. It is a day of darkness and doom, a day of
clouds and thick darkness as a mighty army comes like nothing ever seen before,
nor will there be after it (Joel 2:2). This army is programmed with incredible
discipline and fierce force with destruction and desolation left behind them.
They carry out the word of the LORD in vengeance (Joel 2:11). *Application*
When the LORD gives a prophecy it will be carried out. His word never fails. “It
is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).”
O the devastating effects of turning away from the LORD in our lives.
-Yet He always gives us a chance to return to Him and bless
us. The ray of hope is given beginning in verse 12 as we see God pleading for a
return back to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning. The LORD wants the
heart rent in two rather than the traditional outward sign of rending clothes
apart in anguish. He wants to show His grace and compassion. He is slow to
anger and abounding in lovingkindness and relents of evil (Joel 2:13). There is
a sliver of a chance that He could take pity and relent of the coming doom
leaving a blessing behind Him (Joel 2:14). A gathering is prescribed with
fasting and a solemn assembly to sanctify the congregation and a crying out for
sparing them (Joel 2:15-17). *Application* God always leaves a way out of
trouble and doom. The Word says He will never put on us more than we can
handle. There will be a way out if we care to take it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God always has a way of escape for our endurance and well being. Take His way
today and be satisfied eternally with His presence.
-A change in fortune occurs in the prophecy beginning in
verse 18. The LORD will be zealous for His land and will have pity on His
people. He will bless again after the destruction and malaise that has
occurred. He will never again make them a reproach among the nations in this
season and He will remove the northern army far from them (Joel 2:19-20). The
pastures will turn green again and the land will yield its produce (Joel 2:22).
The rains will be plentiful in their season and the LORD will make up for the
years the swarming locust has eaten (Joel 2:23-25). They will have plenty to
eat and be satisfied praising the LORD their God and knowing that He is in
their midst as no other (Joel 2:26-27). *Application* God is true to His
promises and will come through even after He allows for misfortune. Stay
reliant upon Him in the tests and trials of life and count on His provision
through it all. It is His way of drawing us close to Him and letting us know
our power is limited, but His is all sufficient. Trust in Him alone!
-This next section is quoted by Peter at the time of the
Holy Spirit’s coming in Acts 2. I believe this to be a prophecy that has
multiple applications in its fulfillment. God’s Spirit is no doubt poured out
at Pentecost on the disciples. We are now experiencing the church age where the
Gentiles are being gathered into the Kingdom of God as all the nations (Matthew
24:14, Luke 21:24-25, Romans 15:10-16). There is coming a time again when the
Spirit will be poured out like never before as the day of the LORD approaches.
Prophecy, signs and wonders, dreams, and visions will intensify and wonders in
nature will be displayed preceding the LORD’s return (Joel 2:30-31).
*Application* It is important for us to remember Joel 2:32 in summation.
Whoever calls upon the Name of the LORD will be delivered from the day of the
LORD. There will be those who escape and there will be survivors whom the LORD
calls. God’s way out should be taken while there is a chance and a hope.
Otherwise, His wrath will be on you. Don’t delay, His return is sudden and will
not be known (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, Revelation 3:3; 16:15).
Verses to Memorize:
Joel 2:12-13
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