Read: Joel 2
This chapter
begins with Joel describing a army coming on the Day of the Lord. An alarm should sound throughout Zion for the
Day of the Lord is close (v. 1). This is
a day of darkness and gloom as a fierce enemy marches onward. The fire and flames make the wilderness desolate;
destruction will be complete (v. 3). What
Joel describes is like nothing the earth has seen before (v. 2b) as a terrible
and powerful army causes terror for the nations (v. 6). This army is disciplined and skilled and no
one can withstand them (v. 11b) “for the
day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it?” Joel then calls the people to repent with
fasting, weeping and with mourning (v. 12).
Yet he adds a profound element to the meaning of repentance urging them
to rend their hearts and not their garments.
This shows that we can do things on the outside without actually doing
them from the heart. Joel is urging the
people to engage in heartfelt genuine repentance showing inner remorse with
fasting and prayer for the Lords deliverance.
The idea of corporate prayer and fasting is again urged in verses 15-16,
this time Joel includes children and even babies! All are being urged to be involved in corporate
repentance. In response to their
repentance the Lord answers and has pity on His people (v. 18). As a result of the people’s repentance God
answered with forgiveness and blessing.
The land would be restored with grain, wine and oil (v. 19) which are
basic agricultural crops and the army from the north would be driven into the
sea (v. 20). The land does not need to
fear any longer as the drought will end with abundant rain. The years that were lost to the disaster will
be restored (v. 25). The purpose of this
national crisis is to teach the people that Yahweh is God (v. 27). Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2:17-21
showing us that it refers to the messianic age that we are presently living in. This is one of the greatest promises given in
the book of Joel. God will pour out His
Spirit on all kinds of people regardless of sex, class or age allowing us to experience
intimate communication with the Lord. The
passage concludes with telling of signs in the heavens such as the sun being
darkened and the moon turning to blood before the day of the Lord comes. Similar signs are given in Matt. 24:29 in
regards to Jesus second coming. When
Jesus was born, wise men followed the stars.
When He died the sun darkened for three hours and when He returns there
will be significant events in the heavens.
The final verse in this chapter speaks of salvation coming to all who
call on the name of the Lord. Joel’s
message of restoration isn’t just about agriculture it is about humans turning
to Christ for salvation.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Read
Joel 2:12-13. What does the Lord want to
say to you about repentance being a heart matter? Is there anything that you need to confess to
the Lord today?
2. Read
Joel 2:12-13 again. What do these verses
tell us about God and His character?
Thank Him for what He shows you.
3. Read
Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21. We are in
relationship with a God who speaks and who communicates with us
intimately. What does God want to say to
you about this? How can you continue to
develop your two-way communication with God?
