Book of Joel
Chapter 3
The final chapter of Joel anticipates the judgment of the nations particularly against those who have scattered God’s people and divided the Lord’s land. The Lord offers severe judgment against those who hate and destroy his people. After restoring the nation of Judah, the Lord turns his attention to the sins of Judah’s enemies who will be routed and destroyed.
Offering material and spiritual prosperity to the people of Judah, Joel predicts a sharply contrasting fate for God’s enemies. The fate will be realized based on the decisions we make. Joel says: “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14. Joel indicates that the Lord, Himself, will come and will dwell in Jerusalem and he will be a refuge for his people. Those that decide otherwise face a terrifying future.
But these prophecies concerning human decisions, God’s judgment and his blessings are not limited simply to the time of Joel. They echo forth on the pages of eternity. The reason is quite simple. Since the Lord in the person of Jesus Christ has come to save all people and all nations, restoration, material prosperity and spiritual blessing become an inheritance to all who are willing to bow their knee and proclaim that he is Lord now. This is the universal blessing available to everyone everywhere. Among the difficulties this paradigm presents is quite simply the issue of timing. After all the fulfillment of many of Joel’s prophecies took centuries. Still, we all want the blessing and we want it now. But, since God has sent His Son in the person of Jesus Christ and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with us now we can receive a foretaste of the blessings to come as we allow God’s Kingdom to come to us now.
Key Verse:
“Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her.” ~ Joel 3:17
Questions to ponder:
- In what areas of your life to you need to take a decision?
- How can those around you encourage you to take the right decision?
- Are there areas in your life where you have taken the right decision, but blessing and restoration seem far off?
- How can those around you encourage you to trust and have an earnest expectation concerning the fulfillment of God’s promises in your life?
