The Lord, The Strong One
Lessons from the Minor Prophet Joel
I would encourage you to read the book of Joel before reading this article. It is a very short book, only three chapters long. =)
Joel’s name literally means the Lord is the Strong One. What a great reminder right off the bat! To embrace the fact that we are mere human and God is the one whose strength we must lean on. This reminder is so necessary when living in a nation that tells us we can do everything on our own. FALSE. Without God our efforts will end in vain. I know because I have tried to do everything myself and have landed flat on my face. I need the Lord, not only every hour, but every single breathe.
I would like to introduce you to seven ways to apply Joel’s message:
Fun Fact about the number seven: In Biblical terms, seven is known as the number of completion. It begins with the seven days of creation, but continues as a theme throughout the entire Bible.
- Sometimes calamity is a form of God trying to get our attention (1:1-7)
Background information:
Verse 4: We must remember that most people during this period of time in Israel where farmers. Speaking in agricultural terms was very relatable for them! We live in a different time so it’s important to apply the context. Locusts kill crops. As we read this verse let’s not focus specifically on the insect, but rather what it represents. Everything is now gone. All the food that they had worked for is ruined. We can certainly relate to the feeling of loss and pain.
Application: When life seems to be turned against us, we must turn toward God. He is waiting and ready to listen.
- God will not bless disobedience (1:8-14)
Background information:
Verse 9: There are many offerings that are taught to the Israelites in Leviticus. These include the grain offering and the drink offering. It is important to know that these specific offerings were forms of celebration. When this verse talks about them being cut off, we see that celebration is almost impossible because of the sin going on in Israel.
Verse 13: “Come, spend the night in sackcloth.” This phrase is referring to one of the ways someone could outwardly show that they wanted to make a change in life, to repent.
Application: It is important to search our lives for wrong. It is important to turn from any wrong that we find. When clean before our God, we then have the opportunity to celebrate!
- Without the Lord, our basic needs can not be met (1:15-20)
- God wants our brokenness (2:1-13)
Background Information:
Verse 3: In Biblical terms, when someone is speaking about something before them, they are referring to the past because things in front of you, you can see. The past has already happened so it can be seen. The future is uncertain. When Joel says, “The land is like the garden of Eden before them,” he is explaining that the beautiful things from their past will be destroyed because of all their sins.
Verse 4: We must compare horses to how they act. In this verse Joel explains that, just like a horse, the destruction will be swift.
Application: The one verse that truly sums up what Joel is trying to get across would have to be verse 13. Take a moment to dwell on these words: “Rend your heart and not your garments.” God desires for us to give up our heart to Him. He doesn’t want money or things; He wants who we are.
- Glorifying the Lord is a believer’s ultimate goal (2:14-17)
Background Information:
Verse 16: This verse is explaining that anyone who hears this should stop what they are doing! Evening getting married is not as vital as surrendering to the Lord any part of our life we have not given Him.
Application: It is a beautiful thing when we live for the Lord to the point that the world can see Him in us.
- Blessing can return when we reject sin for Him (2:18-32)
Background Information:
Verse 23: Rain was seen as a huge blessing in their culture!
Verse 25: God can make up for all the times we didn’t follow Him if we decide to surrender whole-heartedly. This verse is connected with Chapter 1 verse 4.
- Judgment is grown by us (Chapter 3)
Background Information:
Verse 2: Jehoshaphat means our Lord will judge.
Application: Just like a seed for corn will produce corn so will our judgment come from whatever we put in. Live for the Lord and there is no need to fear, but live for ourselves and our judgment will reflect that.
I am so thankful for the prophets and how God can use His scripture to constantly shape my perspective. Thanks for reading my insights on what Joel taught me this past week!
