Joel 3: 1-21
Monday, 24 June 2024
“For behold, in those days and at that time, When I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there..” -Joel 3:1-2
Joel prophesied to the land of Judah that a massive devastation was going to sweep across its land during its time of prosperity and security as the nation time and again sinned against God. He warned them of God's judgment in the impending invasion of locusts. Joel called for a season of fasting and repentance, assuring them of the readiness of God to forgive. He seized upon this imagery as a type of the greater judgement that would come on "the Day of the Lord" on all the ungodly in the last days: Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty. (Joel 1:15, 2:11). But in chapter 3, he gave a message of great blessings that would follow and the glories of the Messiah's Kingdom.
Chapter 3 starts with ‘In those days and at that time… Let us be reminded that we are now in those days and that time is fast approaching.
In those days one of the blessings, is the outpouring of God’s Spirit on both young and old (Joel 2:28,29) and was re-spoken by Peter on the day of Pentecost to the gathered that what they were seeing was "that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16). God knew that we will need help to stand in these days—hence He has given each one His Holy Spirit to guide us on the path of truth. Not only that— Romans 8:11 says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” We who have believed in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and accepted Him as our Saviour have our sins forgiven and thus receive the power of the Holy Spirit to lead a godly life.
But in that time
In Joel 3:2-3 we see a God who pays back the nations for the evil they did to His people. “I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people….”
Whatever is done to the body of Christ, Christ as its head will recompense. The body does not have to do anything in the way of judgment. It is for God to do so. Paul found this out on the road to Damascus, when Jesus asked him “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4)
Our God is just—He is not partial in any of His ways. He has only one law for all. He has commanded us in Matthew 7:12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Our works will be judged (Matt. 25:35- 40). Therefore let us live pleasing before Him. Let us be alert and aware that the Lord is returning in judgment. The rules while on earth are the same for both the believers and the non-believers. God is a just God; so do not take His word lightly. “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2.
So let us take the word to others— for today is the day of salvation, the door is open and "the fields are white unto harvest." (John 4:35)
Think on it: “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thes.1:6-8)