We don’t know very much about Joel, just that he was a prophet of God & the son of Pethuel. Since his audience was Judah (Israel’s southern kingdom) there’s a good chance he lived in Jerusalem. Joel delivered a very somber warning to the people of Judah, but finishes by giving them hope. He states that God is the omnipotent judge who also is merciful. God’s desire is to bless everyone who places their trust in him.
Joel speaks of a terrible locust plague that stripped the land of all its crops. Desolation was the end result. This was just another call to repentance for the children of Israel.
The time period of Joel’s service as God’s prophet was roughly 835-796 BC. During this time period Judah had become prosperous, which led to complacency. They began to take God for granted, turning to self-centeredness, idolatry and sin. Joel’s warning to them was that their lifestyle would inevitably bring about God’s judgment. This judgment would be the dreaded Day of the Lord, when a global reckoning will take place.
The message Joel has is for us today too, for many of us call ourselves followers of Christ, yet are spiritually lazy and have lessened the importance of imitating the Lord in our own minds. Joel 2:12-13 says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Comes with fasting, weeping and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” That is God’s message to you today. Repent of all that is contrary to God’s word and draw close to him once again.
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
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