Bible Chapter: Joel 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Word of the Lord.  This book starts out with the prophet telling his readers that he has heard from God.  When God speaks, people need to really listen and pay attention.  Then they need to respond to what God has said.  This principle never changes, people need to listen to God.
Often it takes a tragedy for God to get the attention of people.  Joel was writing about something that everyone who experienced it was filled with horror at the event.  God was once more trying to get the attention of stubborn people.  The world is still filled with stubborn people who don’t want to listen to God.
God was “shouting” to them, Wake Up, You Drunkards!  This may refer to the self-indulgent lifestyle the people were living that they had become so morally numb and insensitive to evil that they did not even recognize that they were offending God.  Millions of people today are ignoring and offending God.  Be careful to not grieve the Holy Spirit.  The prophet called for a holy fast.  Joel urged them to turn to God, repenting with humble hearts.  Through an extended fast they needed to express their dependence on God and repentant hearts.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
In thinking of personal application, two things jump out to me.  One is the verse that says rend your heart and not your garment. The act of tearing one’s clothes was a sign of grief or mourning.  God was not particularly concerned with displays of sorrow that others could see.  He really longed for hearts that were broken over sin.  He desired true repentance and a change that starts on the inside of a person.
Another part of this passage speaks of the promise God made to pour out His Holy Spirit on believers.  We see that happen in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.  When believers live in the fullness of the Spirit of God they will see amazing things that God does.  God will use them in supernatural ways.  The active working of the Holy Spirit is happening in the world today, and we desperately need more and more of His power active in our lives. Prophetic gifts and supernatural experiences will happen among God’s people.  Through the power of the Spirit the world will be impacted.

3.  How can I help someone?
Seek God to hear His voice.  Don’t just put on an act of repentance, but really repent and let God fill you with His Spirit.