The Day of the Lord #3

 

Read Joel 3

Background: In the first two chapters Joel described the judgment of God on Judah in terms of a locust invasion that totally devastates the land, destroying all crops and the livelihood of the people.  This was to be understood as "payment" for the people turning their backs on God and trusting in idols.  In this chapter God makes it clear that The Day of the Lord is not only for Judah and Israel, but for all nations that take what He gives and claim it as their own.  The neighboring nations of Israel had repeatedly harassed them, taking captives and plundering them of the good gifts God had given.  Even though God allowed this for the sake of disciplining His people, it did not make their actions moral or just, and they would be punished. This principle applies throughout history and will be applied some day in the Great Day of the Lord. 

Key verses: 18 “And in that day
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
    and the hills shall flow with milk,
and all the streambeds of Judah
    shall flow with water;
and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord
    and water the Valley of Shittim.
19 “Egypt shall become a desolation
    and Edom a desolate wilderness,
for the violence done to the people of Judah,
    because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
20 But Judah shall be inhabited forever,
    and Jerusalem to all generations.
21 I will avenge their blood,
    blood I have not avenged,
    for the Lord dwells in Zion.”

Thoughts: Once again, after the judgment of the present, and the future, there is the hope of restoration and renewal, dwelling under the protection and blessing of God.  This is available to all who will turn and trust in Him.