Tag Archives: Joel

Joel 3, 2 Thessalonians 3

— by on

Joel 3 describes a time when the nations will be judged, a time when the men of war are stirred into battle. But in the midst of this judgement, there are a people that are safe. “the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel“.

Paul uses similar language in 2 Thessalonians 3. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one…may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”  It is through our love of God, and the sure foundation of the work of Christ, that we have a place of refuge. We can find comfort in these words, knowing that God will help us if we trust and rely on Him.  Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for his readers, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all“.

 

Joel 2

— by on

Joel 2 describes the day of the Lord, the hope and the judgement, the love and the power of God. “The day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it? Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart… return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love”.

Our God is so merciful, that He will always welcome our return. God had pity on Israel when they returned to Him, and said “I will no more make you a reproach among the nations”. He blessed their harvest, so that Israel would know “that I am the Lord your God and there is none else”.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” is the concluding thought of this chapter.  God first loved us, but He expects us to reciprocate that love, to devote our short existence to developing His character and demonstrating that to those around us.