stephen R Harrison

This morning, we are continuing to pray through the book of Joel in our church staff prayer (we recently finished Revelation).

In Joel’s three chapters, two events stand out: 1) an invasion of locusts (1:4) and 2) the promise to pour God’s Spirit out on all people (2:28-29). One event was horrible, stripping the land and causing famine and death. At the same time, the other was incredible, supplying the Spirit’s fullness (fulfilled at Pentecost), hope, and life to all who would repent and believe.

The locusts were punishment for Israel’s repeated sin. The coming Spirit was a promise for repenting of sin. One was destructive, the other restorative. One was cursing, the other blessing. No one wants devastation poured out—we want the Spirit of God poured out and poured in—filling us! Sin brings destruction and will leave us dead, but the Spirit brings joy and life!

A couple key verses stood out to me today as I read:

Joel 2:12-13 says, “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”

Repentance! Returning with hearts! It’s not the external “rending of garments” but the internal “rending of hearts” that God desires. God took care of the impending devastation of sin through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. The relenting of God’s anger toward sin was appeased through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. For those who have been saved, we need not fear sin and death – we rejoice because we have His Spirit, the guarantee of a better promise and eternal life!

Even now, return to the Lord with all your heart! What hope!