Make It Right: Special Entry

Joel, of the Old Testament in the Bible was written by the prophet Joel, himself. The name Joel means, “The Lord is God.” Joel urges the people of Judah to turn back to God. With Joash’s corrupted father and grandmother out of the way, Joel took the opportunity for renewal in the land. However, he also warned the people of Judah that there would be judgment, in the form of agricultural disaster as well as severe consequence, if they did not repent. Using the plagues of locusts as an example, Joel sends an image to the people on the coming wrath of God. If there is an interest to personally experience God’s power and work, readers will find that Joel’s prophecies are right on target. His predictions, though can scare a reader at times, will also create inspiration. Joel prophecies the coming of the Holy Spirit, linking God’s work to the Old Testament with the New Testament Church. Reading Joel will display God’s intense for an intimate relationship with all those who love Him and follow His ways. Watch for God’s double-barreled plan for His people. There is a specific plan of punishment for sin, but also a promise to eagerly defend His people. In both of these situations, look for God’s passionate concern for his people.

In the first chapter, verse 4, Joel goes into detail that locusts mean business. They will destroy anything and everything that is in sight. God has a strong desire to bless His people, He wants to, but cannot allow for people to turn from Him and not receive judgment. A clear consequence that the people of Judah can see as an act of God because of their disobedience is, in fact, locusts. While making a loud, terrifying noise with its wings, it brings extreme economic ruin to a people.

In the same chapter, verse five, God speaks through Joel to those living a life of sin in particular. He says “Wake up, you drunkards, and weep!” There were people that had become so comfortable and used to a sinful life, or “drunk,” that it had become a tradition or routine for them. Not only then, but this still occurs today. People become so comfortable with a life they think are “pure” or “honest” in the eyes of God, but in reality, have it all wrong. We take for granted what God has blessed us with and do not, in return, give Him the praise that He is suppose to be given. Joel goes to tell all of Judah to show God their seriousness by declaring a national day of fasting and prayer. In chapter one, verse fifteen, there is talk about “…the day of the Lord…” What is the day of the Lord? I believe that it refers to anytime God decides to deal with a nation or generation is a way He sees fitting so that it will return to its spiritual senses. The final day of the Lord, however, will obviously be when He returns for the second time.

At the start of chapter two, verse one, the locusts come. When readers get to verse twelve, God gives the people of Judah the opportunity to render their hearts to Him and follow in His ways. I feel that people living in sin, or basically in any way in which is not pleasing to the Lord, must repent. God has the ability to perform spiritual surgery. I mean, if repentance does not follow after one sins, judgment will. When there is repentance sought after sin God’s wrath is fully restrained. Repentance restores a relationship with Christ.

Verse eighteen reads, “Then the Lord will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people.” Why the sudden shift from punishment to blessing? God graciously shifts from declaring punishment to displaying divine pity for His people. In verse twenty-five, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” The plagues of locusts destroyed years worth of crops. Joel used this as a symbol of the devastation the people brought upon themselves through unfaithfulness and sin. If the nation choose to repent, God promised to make the lands fruitful again in an abundance that would more than make up for what the locusts destroyed. Now, I think that this is a fair trade, would readers agree?

Living a life of sin prevents us from receiving and being able to use all that God has planned for our lives. A specific plan, separate from others, that God has for no one else, is being disrupted all because of disobedience. At the end of chapter two, God reveals to those people and even to us in present day that if we follow in all of His ways then Christ pour out His spirit. He desires for us to have special gifts and to use those gifts for Him.

When we read Joel in class, had activities related to Joel, and then reading the book aloud, I looked at my own life and began to reflect on the message God is displaying. I thought about my daily sins and how I disobey Christ everyday and asked forgiveness on the spot. At that time I just began to think, I realized that sin is the easy way out. It’s hard to think about all the blessings He has placed in my life, and then how I repay Him. It does not add up. We, myself included, have to completely surrender our lives to God. Christ is coming for a second time and we need to be ready. Start now and learn from Joel that punishment and judgment will come. Do you know where you will spend eternity?