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Jolts from Joel

The Minor Prophets have much to teach us. While they may be the most unread books of the Bible, they carry some powerful lessons for the modern world and modern Christians. We would do well to read them regularly so as to help us conform our lives to the pattern of Jesus.

               

Joel was the Lord’s prophet but the son of Penthuel (Joel 1:1). If there was a book on the Minor Prophets, his letter to Israel would be chapter two. Not too much is known about the author, and some differ as to the date of his work (either 9th or 8th century B.C.). His book has three chapters, 73 verses, and 2,033 words. Some call him the “prophet of Pentecost” due to his prophesy about the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). The key phrase is “day of the Lord” (5x) and a key word is “desolate”[1] (5x). The thrust of Joel is repentance. Joel is attempting to “jolt” the people to turn back to God. What currents from this electrifying letter reach to us?

 

God May Be Using Something to Get You to Repent (Joel 1:2-2:17). In his attempts for restoration, Joel reminds the people of the disaster God had been behind. He used insects to destroy the people’s land to stir up repentance (Joel 1:4). These inflictors were God’s army (Joel 2:11, 25). Note how they are described:

  • They had taken away agricultural productivity (Joel 1:10-12).

  • Their livestock were also affected (Joel 1:16-20).

  • They appear as horses (Joel 2:4).

  • Their noise is like that of chariots (Joel 2:5).

  • They are mighty (Joel 2:7-9).  

These inflictors were no small army. But God had a purpose. He wanted Israel’s repentance (Joel 1:13-14; 2:12-17), else something worse was going to come (Joel 1:15). He punished for their profit. He rebuked for their restoration. Providentially, God may be doing the same thing today in our lives. He might be using a person, a job, a situation, or a burden to teach us and encourage us to repent. God is always seeking to help us stay on the right path; He will do whatever He can to do so. Read Hebrews 12:5-11.

 

God is Ready to Abundantly Pardon and Restore (Joel 2:18-27). Note the first word of verse 18: “Then.”  After humble penitence, God was ready to help His people. Note the specific restorations:

  • Restoration of food (Joel 2:19).

  • Restoration of name (Joel 2:19).

  • Restoration of peace (Joel 2:20).

  • Restoration of agriculture (Joel 2:22-25).

Israel’s repentance would turn into Israel’s blessings. They would “eat in plenty” (Joel 2:26, emp. mine, NO). They would be blessed with overabundance. He illustrated for them what could be their future if they would just turn to Him. God’s goodness should stir repentance. Paul wrote, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). If men would only open their eyes to God’s good acts would they truly be willing to change their hearts. What good have you seen from God that will make you want to change your sin?

 

God Saves His People Amidst the Judgement of the Wicked[2] (Joel 3:1-17). Verse one begins with a reference to “those days” which connect back to the previous chapter and the reference to the events at Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). Therefore, the picture by Joel is likely about spiritual judgement of God’s enemies during the Christian dispensation.[3] Bob Winton gave an interesting view: “the prophet can be speaking of events then current and suddenly reach forward in time to relate things that would occur in that far-distant era.”[4] Nonetheless, this is a picture of judgement. The valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2, 12) represents judgement. In this context, it is not to be read as a literal battle arena.[5] God would eventually destroy those who destroyed Israel. He would take vengeance for His people (Joel 3:19). In every age, God’s people have suffered at the hands of wicked inflictors—but God would not leave them alone. He is righteous to do so (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). When the righteous cry for vengeance (Revelation 6:10), God answers and says, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her” (Revelation 18:20). Don’t you want to serve a God that has your back?

               

Are your copies of the Minor Prophets dusty? If so, you might want to give them a read. Jolt your spiritual battery, not only with truths from Joel, but from all 12 books from the prophets.    

   

 

 

 Endnotes

[1]Frank J. Dunn, Know Your Bible, (Pulaski: Sain Publications, 1996), 316.

[3]Some debate whether the reference is to the time of Israel’s restoration or the Chrisitan dispensation. 3:1 seems to indicate a reference to the Christian age.

[5]Homer Hailey, A Commentary on The Minor Prophets, (Reno: Nevada Publications, 2009), 56.  

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