Please read Joel 2:12-16, 18-19, 28-32

A few semesters ago, I had a class assignment to write a detailed paper on a passage of Scripture, and I chose to work on a section of Ezekiel. Since then, I have had a great affinity for the prophets of the Old Testament, and I love diving deeper into these prophetic works and exploring both their original and current meanings. I think that sometimes a great way to start exploring a passage is by looking at it verse-by-verse. So, let’s do that with this week’s selected verses from Joel!

We will pick up at Joel 2:12. Prior to this verse, Joel has described the current signs that indicate the Lord’s Day of Judgement – plagues, droughts, and famines. It is important to note that prophets were not primarily some mystical predictors of the future. Rather, they are called to be a mouthpiece for the Lord, speaking God’s word into the current context of God’s beloved people.

Joel is calling the nation of Judah to repent to the Lord. This is not because Joel claims to be an expert of some kind, but because he wants the people to live according to the will of God. Joel tells them that if they repent, then the Lord will bless the people. A few verses later (18-19) we read that the people did in fact repent, and they did so sincerely. They did not repent because they wanted something in return, but because they realized just how much their sins dishonored the Lord. God didn’t owe them anything when they repented, yet the people received an incredible gift: the knowledge that they are aligning themselves with God and honoring him. 

In verses 20-27, Joel tells the people how the Lord will bless their people in the immediate future because the Lord responded to their repentance with mercy. In verse 28, we get the passage that Peter references in Acts 2 during the Pentecost story. Joel says that eventually, all those who have repented and know the Lord will have the Holy Spirit poured out upon them – isn’t that beautiful? Ultimately, all those who receive the Holy Spirit will then be delivered when the Day of Judgement does come; all because they repent and receive. 

The Bible is for all times and all people. Not only was this call to repentance and receiving of the Holy Spirit something that happened thousands of years ago, but it is something that we still need to do and receive today. This week as you reflect on this passage, consider how you could ask the Lord for repentance and mercy. Then, hold your heart in a posture that is open and willing to receive the Lord’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and use it to the best of your abilities to honor the Lord.