Joel 1:1–3:21
Joel’s name means “Yahweh is God,” and this brief book is clearly a word of warning from God Himself, to the Jews, and to the rest of the world that the Day of the LORD is coming (a phrase we find 5 times in these 3 chapters), we’d be wise to be ready.
As seen in the chart below, most Bible teachers date Joel early on in the history of Israel/Judah, when compared to the other minor prophets – Joel was a contemporary of Elisha.
Joel begins with a description of locust completely devouring the land. This may have been a catastrophe that actually took place in the days of Joel, or perhaps it was simply a picture of what God would do to both kingdoms, Israel and Judah, at the hands of the Assyrians, the Babylonians…and then one day to the world with His own hands, at His Second Coming.
God describes the invaders as strong and without number, laying waste to His Vine and His Fig Tree (Israel).
As I read of God’s judgment upon His people, I can’t help but think of my own beloved country, the United States of America. We have turned our backs on God, the One who established us and blessed us beyond measure. At one time we were “One Nation under God,” but tragically this is no longer the case. At one time it was “In God we trust,” but sadly, this is no longer true. It may seem bizarre to think that foreign nations could invade our country, or that God Himself would take us down, but that’s what happens when sin abounds.
Is it too late? Perhaps. But that doesn’t mean the remnant doesn’t continue to cry out to God for mercy. This is Joel’s counsel:
Joel 1:14–15 (NKJV) “Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. 15 Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the Almighty.”
Am I seeking the Lord like this? Especially in light of His imminent return.
God’s discipline and judgments come in many forms, Joel wants to warn the people. Imagine a place as glorious and lush as the Garden of Eden devoured by fire, then left as a desolate wilderness where nothing escapes (Joel 2:3). Imagine a foreign army marching in unison, as a machine, running through our cities, entering homes, ravishing families. Imagine the earth quaking, the stars falling, the sun diminishing. Judgment would come to Israel, and judgment will come to this world!
Is it too late for America? Some people wonder even if it’s too late for themselves – personally. Joel writes:
Joel 2:12–14 (NKJV) “‘Now, therefore,’ says the LORD, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him— a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?’”
Are we seeking the Lord like this? If so…maybe, just maybe He will have mercy on our land.
Joel repeatedly asks the leaders to consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly – gather the people, the congregation, the elders, the children, the nursing children, the newlyweds, as well as the priests; may we consider our witness (Joel 2:15-17).
Joel goes on to describe the mercy God shows to those who truly repent, and highlights His grace that will be showered upon Israel. God even promises to restore the years the swarming locust had eaten, all that time the enemy had robbed from them (Joel 2:25).
The ultimate blessing was bestowed upon Israel, when Jesus arrived in human flesh. In God’s amazing grace Christ died, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit. Peter, when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, quoted from Joel 2:28-32 in explaining the miraculous tongues spoken on that day, and promising the Holy Spirit’s power all the way until the Day of the LORD.
And whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved! (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 19:9-13).
In Joel 3 God gathers the nations for judgment in the way they dealt with Israel. Half-way through the Tribulation period God will shelter Israel from the storm, while all hell breaks loose on planet earth…the weak will be strong, for the Lord their God will be their strength (Joel 3:10…we can say it now).
I’ve always been gripped by:
Joel 3:14 (NKJV) “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”
Even today, decisions are being made. Will I fully follow God? Some decide not to follow Him at all. Billions of people deep down in that valley of decision…as the day draws near.
What a difference it makes to be God’s covenant people! Israel, as well as the church will be sheltered and strengthened and blessed, acquitted of our sins and guilt…all by the blood of Jesus Christ.
It’s a definite Day right around the corner, and at the same time G Campbell Morgan reminds us:
“It is always the day of the Lord.” – G. Campbell Morgan
No matter what calamities may come to men and nations, He is always in control, and we must always be ready.
Revelation 1:1-20
We now come to the final book of the Bible – it’s not merely the Revelation of the future, it actually begins with the Revelation of Jesus Christ, a revelation of the church, and then a revelation of things which must “shortly” take place. “Shortly” speaks of the fact that when the events of prophecy being to materialize, it will take place swiftly.
The book of Revelation comes with a built-in blessing to those who read it, hear it, and keep the things written within in it (Revelation 1:3).
We see the Trinity in Revelation 1:4-5, in the greeting of grace and peace from the Father, from the Holy Spirit, described as the seven Spirits (see Isaiah 11:2 where the seven characteristics of the Holy Spirit are listed), and from Jesus Christ. As the faithful witness, Jesus is the Prophet. As the Firstborn from the dead Jesus is the Priest. And as the ruler of the kings of the earth, He is the King of kings. It just so happens that these are the three anointed offices in the Old Testament, (Messiah is Hebrew, Christ is Greek, meaning the “Anointed” One). Jesus is the Anointed Prophet, Priest, and King…who loved us, and washed us from our sins…in His own blood (see also Acts 20:28).
One day we will rule with Him as kings (small k). Today we can represent Him as priests, we can bring the people to God in prayer, and we can bring God to the people by sharing His Word and serving them.
Revelation was written to prepare us for the coming of Christ. It’s interesting that Jesus is described as the “Almighty” in Revelation 1:8.
History tells us that John the Beloved, the writer of Revelation was actually placed in boiling oil, for his faithful service to the Lord, but he survived the ordeal and was then banished to the Island of Patmos. Here He is, “in the Spirit,” on the Lord’s Day (a reference to Sunday) and he hears the voice of Christ as the voice of a trumpet informing John of who He is (the Alpha and Omega are the first and final letters in the Greek alphabet, this is who Jesus is, the first and the last, the Beginning and the End) it all started and culminates in Him.
Jesus then instructed John to write letters to the 7 churches in Asia (modern day Turkey).
When John turned to see the voice he heard, what a glorious vision it was! It was Jesus in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. The number 7 is the number of completion and perfection within the Bible and we find it 32 times in the book of Revelation.
The 7 lampstands are the 7 churches and there’s Jesus in the midst of them.
His robe covers everything but his feet, the gold band about His chest speak of deity.
His head and hair which are as white as snow speak of his purity.
His eyes of flaming fire symbolize the way He sees and sifts through everything.
His feet of refined brass represent perfect steps of punishment that will take place (brass symbolizes judgment in the Bible).
His voice as the sound of many waters reveal that in heaven His voice drowns out all other voices…what majesty!
The 7 stars in His right hand represent the 7 messengers or pastors of the 7 churches.
The sword that protrudes from His mouth reveals that all He has to do is speak it, and it’s done.
His countenance as the sun, reveals His unparalleled glory. The Gospels veiled His glory for the most part, but the book of Revelation unveils it.
Revelation 1:19 provides an outline of the book:
1. The “things which you have seen,” refer to what John’s seen in the vision of Jesus. (Chapter 1)
2. The “things which are,” refers to the condition of the 7 churches – the current church age. (Chapters 2-3)
3. The “things which will take place after this,” concern the future. In the Greek language, the 2 words “meta tauta” are found here and in 4:1. This is in reference to the future, after the church age. Then comes the Rapture, Tribulation Period, Second Coming of Christ, Millennial Kingdom, Eternal Judgment, and finally finishing with the New Heavens and the New Earth. (Chapters 4-22)
Psalm 128:1-6
A frequent and repeated truth we read in the Bible is the blessings and benefits of fearing the LORD. The fear of the LORD speaks of a healthy reverence and awe of who He is, and yes, the fact that He does discipline His children, and judge non-believers.
Life is deeply beautiful for the obedient believer. We’ll work hard and God will provide everything we need; we’ll know, it’s from God.
We’ll prioritize our family, if we fear the LORD, and the general principle is that God will bless us with children, and even grandchildren. When the children are described as olive plants all around our table, it speaks of the fact that our children will be helpers, productive, and even valuable (olives and the oil they produced was highly valued).
When we fear the LORD we can truly enjoy His blessings each and every day.
Psalm 128:5 (NKJV) “The LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.”
When a nation fears God, she will experience peace, and we’re always to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Israel) (Psalm 128:6)
Proverbs 29:18
Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV) “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.”
Revelation speaks of God’s Word; written and fresh, at times oral, as He speaks through His people. Where there is no revelation, the people do whatever they want – anarchy – out of control.
The New Living Translation puts it this way:
Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.”
“So the verse is stating that without God’s Word, people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways. On the other hand keeping (obeying) God’s Law (cf. 28:4, 7) brings happiness.” – Bible Knowledge Commentary
In the days of Eli there was no fresh and personal revelation until the coming of Samuel. We read in:
1 Samuel 3:1 (NKJV) “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.”
O Lord, may our hearts be right, so that You’d always speak to us in fresh and personal ways.