Bible Reading Blog
“The Stakes Are Higher”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Joel 2
Joel opens with a once in a lifetime natural disaster (Joel 1.2-4). Ferocious swarms of locusts have destroyed the land leaving devastation in their wake (1.7, 10, 12, 17-20). But this was not a random act of nature. God sent them as a foreshadowing of a more terrible judgment coming (2.25). God would bring a foreign army to invade with terror and ferocity, and none could withstand (2.11).
But as with every act of God’s judgment, it had restorative purposes (2.12-13). These events were intended to prompt the faithful among God’s people to assemble and seek his favor (1.14; 2.15-17). Through their acts of humility, repentance and submission, God promises to reverse the effects of judgment. He will again give them abundance (2.19), drive away the invading enemy (2.20), and restore vitality to the world around them (2.22-25). They will know “I am in the midst of Israel” and “my people will never again be put to shame” (2.27).
This promised restoration looks forward to Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1.23, cf. Isaiah 7.14). Jesus gave in abundance, even to the point of satisfaction (compare Matthew 14.20 and Joel 2.26). He drove away and dealt with the devastating effects of the true enemy (Matthew 4.23-24; Mark 1.34). He restored vitality to the world and lives of those in it (Matthew 4.23; 9.35; John 10.10; 14.6).
This ultimate fulfilment would not be experienced by these readers, but reconciliation was still a present opportunity. Joel’s jarring depiction of judgment emphasized the need for a to return to the LORD. It would start with the leadership (1.9, 13; 2.17), be demonstrated in repentance, and consummated in trust as they waited for God’s faithful goodness (2.14, 17).
All judgment language drives towards this goal: a radical return to covenant faithfulness with God. He not only wants that but has made it possible through fulfilled promises. Looking ahead, Joel 2 is famously quoted by Peter as he calls another people to repentance (Acts 2.14-38). This emphasizes 2 critical points in scripture: Jesus Christ is the focal point of God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1.20). But the call of God remains the same: repent and trust him (Acts 17.30; 2 Peter 3.9).
On this side of the cross, God’s people are those who respond to this call. Most of us have made that choice at some point in our lives. But just like the people of old, we sometimes become lulled by life and need stirring (Hebrews 10.26-31). As we read Joel, we must consider how God used events and circumstances to get their attention. Perhaps the events of 2020 were intended to bring us back to him. Has it worked? Are we more dedicated to him?
The difference now is the stakes are higher. God is not sending another prophet. We have everything we need to know, through Jesus (Hebrews 1.1-4; 2 Peter 1.3). Those who are faithful will be found seeking the Lord together and encouraging others to do the same.
“…we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1.11-12)
