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Joel & Christ Introduction: Between Hosea and Amos is the Book of Joel. Generally dated around 830 BC it was written to Judah. A term used repeatedly in Joel is "The Day of The Lord." I) Understanding the Day of the Lord A) Used to refer to God’s judgment upon nations, Isaiah 13.6 1. Babylon would be judged by God. 2. Egypt is the subject in Jeremiah 46.10 B) Used to refer to the last day, when Jesus returns and all of mankind appears before the judgment seat of God, 2 Peter 3.10 C) There will be only one judgment day but there will be many "days of judgment" D) In Joel "The Day of the Lord" 1. The "Day of the Lord" (1) a description of the calamity, 1.15 2. The day of the Lord (2) a proclamation of future judgment, 2.1 3. The day of the Lord (3) is both great and terrible, 2.11; Romans 11.22 II) Chapter 1 A) A national calamity that would be retold to later generations.vv. 1-3 1. Often people speak of the "great flood"; the earthquake where the Mississippi ran backwards, in Florida the spoke of a hurricane in the early 1900’s. 2. This calamity was a result of God’s judgment. B) Judah had been decimated by a swarm of locust, v. 4 1. The 8th plague upon Egypt was locust, Exodus 10.5-6 2. A description of the destruction is given in verses 5-12 a. Trees were striped of vegetation and even the bark was eaten off, no grain was left to offer sacrifices, luxury items such was wine was gone, vineyards were empty, no wheat or barley, etc. 3. This occurred as God’s judgment upon Judah. C) A call to repentance, vv. 13-14. 1. The priests were told to put on sackcloth, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly of the people and their leaders. D) Some of the results of God’s punishment, vv. 15-20 1. No one is spared not even the animals are spared; reminds me of reading of the whole world being flooded during the days of Noah. III) Chapter 2 A) Future judgment, v. 1 1. God’s judgment is an on going process 2. The "day of the Lord is coming" B) The locust are coming, vv. 2ff 1. The locust are described as a army sent by God a. Behind them a flame burns – they are all consuming b. They are swift- you can not out run them c. Climb walls, into houses, enter at the windows – you can not hide from them d. They march in formation and do not break ranks – they attack and do not stop e. They were executing the word of the Lord, v. 11 2. In 1915 locust attacked Israel, it was estimated there were 60,000 eggs for every acre. C) The Priests were to lead a "national repentance" a repentance from the heart, 2.12 1. A repentance that comes from the heart produces real change in our lives, 2 Corinthians 7.10 2. Before God can relent we must repent a. People often want changes before they change, they want blessings before they have done anything to receive those blessings. b. Jesus came preaching "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Matthew 4.17 c. On the Day of Pentecost they were told to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins," Acts 2.38 D) God will refresh the land, chapter 2.18-24 1. They will have grain, new wine, oil, the northern army removed 2. They will have the former rain (rain at the beginning of the growing season); the later rain (rain when fruit is being produced). E) A time of restoration, vv. 25-27 III) Christ in Joel, 2.28-32 A) Spiritual blessings of a new time 1. Peter identifies the fulfillment of Joel 2 in Acts 2.16. 2. The Spirit of God was poured out, compare to Isaiah 44.3 a. Jesus promised the Apostles the Holy Spirit, Acts 1.5,8 b. Manifested by the sound of wind, the tongues of fire, and speaking in tongues. c. God did the pouring the Holy Spirit was the source. 3. Who receive the Holy Spirit? The Apostles in Acts 2 and Cornelius’ household in Acts 10.44-45; 11.15 a. All of mankind has received the word of God b. Other manifestations- Prophetic revelation (Agabus in Acts 11.28); Philips daughters in Acts 21.8) visions, and miracles occurred in Acts. B) During this time they would see the judgment of God, Joel 2.30-31 1. What event happened in the first century that showed God’s judgment on the Jewish nation? C) The Spiritual blessing, v. 32 1. Whoever – not just the Jews but anyone and everyone, Romans 1.16 2. Calls – to rely on, to obey, Matthew 7.21ff 3. The name of the Lord, Acts 2.36; Romans 10.10-13 a. Further explained in Acts 2.38 when they were told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. 4. Shall be saved – have their sins pardoned Acts 22.16 a. Note the purpose or the gift was the remission of sins Conclusion: Whatever interpretation one gives Joel 3 it should be remembered the time period is the same as Joel 2.28-32. Most consider this God’s judgment on those that reject Christ. "For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision" 3.14 D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 04.01.07 |