God's Mercy and Judgment.

(A) God Gives Hope (Joel 2:18-20, 25-32).

Following Joel's long sobering declaration of judgment: the prophet brought forth a marvelous message of hope (Joel 2:18-20). Seeking God would not bein vain.

Question: “What do you think verse 18 means in saying God was 'jealous' for His land?”

God claimed the land of His people's inheritance as His own. So it grieved Him to bring judgment upon it, as well as upon His people. But He did so to awaken His people and lead them to repentance.

We often think of jealousy as a negative trait. But when the concept is applied to our righteous God, the undesirable aspect of human jealousy is not present. Instead, it refers to His intense zeal for the undivided affections of His people. He would not tolerate sharing their love with false gods. There could be no rivals, So jealousy fort the land involved the spiritual health and well-being of the :people who called it their inheritance.

God promised to bless His people again,‘ after they repented (verses 19-20). The surrounding nations had seen the devastation. As a result, Judah suffered the scorn of their assumption that they must be serving a deity incapable of helping them. But now their God, the One 'True God', would be recognized as the Provider of immeasurable blessings, as well as the One capable of liberating them from any enemy.

Question: “What great hope of God's people is described in Joel 2:25-32?”

This passage highlights two future blessings that Judah would experience. The first was tangible provision. The famine they now experienced would be replaced by a great era of pienteous divine gifts. They had known such blessings before, but had taken them for granted, forfeiting them in favor of serving other gods. But in that future day they would praise the God who provided so richly. Their disappointment would be replaced by confidence and joy in the Lord (verses 2, 5-27).

The second hope, described in verses 28-32, goes beyond restoration. it is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it would not be fulfilled in Joel's day. In Old Testament times, such blessings of empowerment-visions, prophecies, dreams- were given to only a few, and the Gentiles were excluded.

But Joel's promised hope would transcend nationality. lt would not be limited to status found in age or gender. Every aspect of potential human prejudice would be rendered powerless. God would send wonders upon the earth, and all of His people called to be vessels, capable of manifesting His power in miraculous ways.

This Pentecostal outpouring would be much more than a single event. It would usher in a new era called the last days. God's people - those who had called upon the name of the Messiah - would await His return. This empowerment, then, was meant to characterize the whole Church Age.

Through the Holy Spirit, God's people would proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to a world lost in sin. This great hope offered eternal life, free from God's judgment, to all who call upon Christ.

(B) A Future Judgment (Joel 3:12-16)

In chapter 3, Joel turned to God's judgment on the nations that came against His people. This will occur during the Great Tribulation, when God's wrath falls on all the sinful nations of the earth, and Christ returns in Glory and as Judge (Isaiah 26:20-21; Revelation 19:11-21).

This final battle, Armageddons is the scene described in Joel 3:12-416. The nations are called to gather in the “valley of Jehoshaphat,” literally, “the valley where the Lord judges'” (Verse 12). What follows is a graphic description of judgment as a harvest field, accompanied by dramatic signs in the natural world (verses 134-16). lt would be a day of reckoning for all who have rejected the Lord.

Question: “What can Christians learn from Joel's description of God judging the nations?”

In addition to being a sober reminder of the seriousness of sin, it can provide perspective, even hope.
God Will deliver and vindicate His own. He is sovereign over all other powers. No matter our present trials and challenges, we rest in the confidence that God will bless for all eternity those who follow Him.

In conclusion

Sin carries a Wide variety of consequences, both in this world and in the World to come. lt is critical that Christians recognize the seriousness of sin and respond by regularly examining and reaffirming their commitment to God. Examine how seriously you view sin. A secular world can, through its twisted values, sway a Christian toward compromise.

The remedy: prayer, knowledge of the Word, and an enduring desire for a closer walk With God. Also keep in view the great promises of God, who has given us hope for etemity as well as empowerment for service today. Ask yourself, “How much am i relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in my Christian walk?”

For a complete read through see Joel 1:1-32 ; 3:1-16. Lesson continues...

^cheers!