Joel


BIBLE READING: Joel 1-3
DISCUSSION                                                    
The book of Joel is divided into three chapters and follows a basic outline:
1.) The Consequence of Disobedience, 
2.) A Call to Repentance,
3.) The Promise of Blessings.
In chapter one verses 10-12, Joel describes his people as wine and oil and wine that has dried up.  He is telling God’s people that there are no sacrifices to offer because of a plague of locusts and limited rain. As Christians, we have to be careful not to become spiritually dried up. As the Psalmist said “…but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1.3.

Joel 2.12-13 calls for a rending of hearts rather than garments. Jesus taught this lesson when he quoted Isaiah, “their lips honor me, but their hearts are far from me.” We have to be careful to not be like the Israelites and just have a repentance of the outside, rather than a true turning back to God.

Joel ends with a promise of God always abiding in Judah and dwelling in Zion. This comes true in Acts chapter two when the church begins and his spirit comes into the apostles. That same spirit is what stays with his children today – the spiritual Zion (I Corinthians 3.16).
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