Lesson 13: A Message from Joel

A Call to Repentance

"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
- Joel 2:32, Romans l0:13

Historical Setting 

Scholars disagree on the time of Joel's prophecy, but it is obvious that Joel is talking about an imminent disaster sent by God, an army of locusts which would devour like a fire (2:3). Even with a final day of judgment, God sends chastisements and warnings to us when He wills. Joel points to the Day of the Lord as a day of destruction for the unfaithful and deliverance and hope for those faithful to Him.

Personal Reflection
"Even in the midst of oppression, economic failure, natural disasters, and personal struggles, we must continually keep our eyes on God's will for us. His greatest hope is that we will listen to His call and turn to Him. When we turn from sin, let Him control our lives, we can experience true justice and restoration. As I listen to sermons and Bible lessons, and sing, pray and give publicly, I realize I need to submit to God privately and come to repentance daily. The prophet Joel speaks to me today!” 


Outline

I. Locusts, the Judgment of God (1:1-2:11)
II. Joel's call to repentance (2:12-19)
III. Blessings promised from God (2:20-32)
(Also note references to Joel's prophecy in Acts 2:17-21 and Romans 10:13)
IV. God's triumph over the world (3:1-16)
V. Zion, the people of God, victorious (3:17-21)

As you read this short prophecy of Joel, ask these personal questions...

1. What are traits of the heavenly Father I see in Joel's prophecy? What am I doing personally to cultivate these traits as I seek to be like God?

2. What are my own "locusts," invaders that devastate my life? How have they affected me spiritually?
3. How do my externals of religion (public worship, service, etc.) compare with the internals (private time listening, talking with God, etc.)?

4. What are my spiritual weaknesses? What am I doing to experience repentance, recovery and renewal in my spiritual formation?

Consider these questions for our church family, community, and world situation...
1. What are the obligations of our "spiritual leaders" in leading us to God? How can they inspire and motivate us toward repentance? 

2. How has unexpected and traumatic events affected our families, the Lord's church, our community, world? How can Christians impact these situations?

A lasting message from Joel...

"Turn to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your heart and not your garments,
and turn unto Yahweh your God, 
for he is gracious and compassionate, 
slow to anger and abounding in love."
Joel 2:12-13

- Linda Smith

(Linda Smith is a member at P.V. and wishes her Masters in History was in Bible history instead of American History.)