The Promise of Restoration
The book of Joel contrasts the various aspects of God's nature as He interacts with His people. In response to the unfaithfulness of the people of God towards Yahweh God, the door of God's judgment was opened. In spite of the many warnings from various prophets of God, the people plunged headlong into sin. So repugnant was their behavior that God could no longer restrain His judgment on the people. Poverty, famine and war were the price the people of God were paying for their behavior.
In chapter 2 Joel tells of an enemy waiting to bring about total destruction. Their power is described as being able to turn the Garden of Eden into a wasteland as they pass through. Such imagery shows the dread and fear the people of God experienced as their enemies were preparing for their final assault.
In the midst of this drama Joel introduces a plan, God's plan, of national deliverance. He challenges the people to rethink their concept of God. So focused on the "justice" aspect of His nature were they that the people failed to see God's love and mercy for them. The righteous anger of God had caused the people to forget about His faithfulness and covenant keeping love.
Joel issued a call to true sincere repentance, awakening and intercession. He reminded the people of the true nature of the God they served and then, basically asked them if the really knew what they thought they knew. The people were resigned to destruction while Joel still saw the possibility of redemption and restoration. Joel said "whom know if He will turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him".
The heart of God was then revealed towards His people in that He would rather bless than destroy, reward than punish, embrace than cast away. God provided the road map to restoration between Himself and His people. God then promised the outpouring of the former and latter rain of His Spirit, the baptism in the Holy Spirit which began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. There were also promises of deliverance from their enemies and the restoration of the glory of the nation of Israel.
No matter how bleak a situation may be, there is always hope in the Lord. Joel 2 reveals that when we put our eyes on the overwhelming circumstances we often lose sight of the one who is more than able and willing to deliver us from those circumstances. We must position ourselves for blessing through, repentance, fasting, and intercession. The promise of restoration is our to lay hold of and pray in! The power of the Holy Spirit is there for the equipping of all. We will never make it in our own strength put we will prevail as we walk in, pray in and live in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Created 9 months ago
