Where must I begin? I have not read the Old Testament book of Joel in a long while and reading it a few times through was truly strengthening and powerful. I could seriously go on for hours about all of my thoughts about this mighty book that Joel wrote long ago. But as of right now I will only say a few comments and I look forward to speaking about it in class tomorrow.
The theme of this book is the day of the Lords coming. Joel speaks on foreboding and warning but yet filled with hope. Our Father wants to love and bless all those who trust in Him. On the day of judgment, God will judge the unrighteousness and all accounts will be settled.
The beginning of this book Joel speaks of locusts, a terrible plaque, that comes and devours all crops from the land. This is a just a preview of the coming judgment of God. For because of this plaque, Joel asks all people to turn from their sin and turn to God. God is merciful and kind. In the midst of the judgment and need of repentance, there is affirmation of the promises of God. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," Joel 2:32.
In verse 3:14 it says, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." I took this verse and think that there are people all around us, work, school even church who do not know the day of the Lord. They will face judgment, but do you know if they have received God's forgiveness? As His disciples, warriors of the Word of God, we are called to understand the severity of God's final judgment and bring God's offer of hope to all of those we know. To all of those we do not know.
Just like we have been talking in class about knowing pain in order to understand happiness or joy. I feel this is what joel is doing as well... How great it is to hear of God's hope in the midts of all that plaque. I always injoy reading your posts. Keep it up
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