Today’s Reading: Joel 2-3
The day of the Lord is near,
the day when destruction comes from the Almighty.
How terrible that day will be! – Joel 1:5
Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem!
Raise the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let everyone tremble in fear
because the day of the Lord is upon us.
It is a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of thick clouds and deep blackness.
Suddenly, like dawn spreading across the mountains,
a great and mighty army appears.
Nothing like it has been seen before
or will ever be seen again…
The Lord is at the head of the column.
He leads them with a shout.
This is his mighty army,
and they follow his orders.
The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing.
Who can possibly survive? – Joel 2:1-2,11
Joel prophesied about the Day of the Lord, describing it as terrible. The army will march in and the people will run in fear. The sun will stop shining and the stars will burn out. The Lord and His army will come to confront the evil in this world, defeating the enemy and saving the world.
“The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?” – Joel 2:11
But more powerful than the judgment that is coming is the mercy and love of our God. He is calling HIs people to repentance. He longs to send them a blessing instead of a curse.
That is why the Lord says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish. – Joel 2:12-13
“Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.” – Joel 2:28-29
We serve a God of grace. When we come to him in sincere repentance, genuinely living for Him and submitting to His lordship, we experience His unmerited favor.
We serve a God of compassion. He not not only forgives us, but He also gives us His Spirit to dwell within us. This presence transforms us into the people He created us to be.
We serve a God of mercy. And where there is mercy, hope can be found. Our God is gracious and compassionate, full of mercy and love.
We serve a holy God. He sees the devastation that sin is wreaking in this world, and He will come one day to bring judgment. He will right all wrongs and renew His covenant with all of creation. Praise God, restoration will come after the judgment. He will reign in this world and in our hearts.
Lord, we thank you for this reminder of your very nature — that you are a God of grace, a God of compassion, and a God of mercy. We recognize your holiness and declare that you are good! You are greater than the evil that is so predominant in this world, and the story of your victory has already been written. Thank you for renewing us when we come to you in repentance, not just with a willingness to restore us but with a longing to extend mercy to sinners. Thank you for the gift of your spirit that daily guides us and transforms us, empowering us to walk in obedience to your Lordship.
Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.
There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.
The sun and moon will grow dark,
and the stars will no longer shine.
The Lord’s voice will roar from Zion
and thunder from Jerusalem,
and the heavens and the earth will shake.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people,
a strong fortress for the people of Israel. – Joel 3:14-16