The Day of the Lord in Joel is not a pleasant experience on initial reading with all the devastation, destruction and desolation.
That’s not the only aspect of the day to look forward to. If all of that is the necessary night that needs to happen, then there’s also a day to look forward to. A time bright and shining where after repentance they can look forward to a time where their relationship with God comes with His indwelling presence.
Joel’s prophecies are so rich with promise and hope.
Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. Never again will my people be disgraced. (Joel 2:27 NLT)
Promise of a day to come when righteousness rules and is evident because the relationship works well and those who oppose the people of God will also be dealt with. As right relationship is restored between God and His people, so it will have an impact on a land previous devastated. The restoration process is not just back to a place hoped for in liberation from slavery. It’s a restoration to the state of brilliance and beauty like the beginning.
We are encouraged to consider this picture of what God will do for His people as they repent. This promise however, where the Spirit is on all flesh and the nation is beautiful again is an idyll to look forward to, not just for Israel.
In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. Water will fill the streambeds of Judah, and a fountain will burst forth from the Lord ’s Temple, watering the arid valley of acacias. (Joel 3:18 NLT)
(Photo by Daniel Genser on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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