Introducing the Lesson

Humanity is afflicted with a disease. It's not something that can be treated with drugs or therapy, or cured through intensive research. This disease is spiritual. The problem is sin.

The only cure, however, is unappealing to many: humble repentance. This was as true in the days of Joel, as it is today. Through his prophecy we are reminded of our need for repentance, as well as the mercy God offers to those who will turn to Him.

Call on God

(A) God's people face calamity (Joel 1:1-4)

Little is known about the prophet Joel, whose name means “the Lord Is God." He prophesied to the southern kingdom of udah, and many believe his ministry may have taken place in the ninth century B.C during the early days of the reign of young King Joash (2 Kings 11:21).

The Book of Joel' is noted for its graphic descriptions of calamity falling upon God's people. The book begins with such an event (Joel 1:14-4). The locust invasion described here was both familiar and greatly feared in the Ancient Near East. A large plague of locusts could devour all vegetation across many miles in a relatively short time. Nothing would be left to eat, causing the people to face the stark reality of famthe and death

Joel's prophecy of a larger meaning to this catastrophe began to take shape in verse 2, as he addressed the elders with an imperative message. These men stood alongside the officials and held great influence among the people, both locally and nationally (see Ezra 10:8).

Joel lnstmcted the elders to listen closely. This crisis was unprecedented. These events had to be conveyed to future generations (verses 2-3). Reading multiple Bible translations, one notices a variance in how these locusts are described (verse 4). This is because of difficulty in translating the meaning of the various locusts. Many believe Joel was saying that locusts at every stage of development had come, forming one swarm after another. The devastation is described further in verses 5-12.

Question: “How would You respond to someone who asked why God allows catastrophe to befall His people?”

While we often do not understand such events in this life, we must remember that we live in a fallen world subject to the consequences of sin in everyday life. Sometimes, however, we are reminded that God allows such things to bring about a higher purpose, such as repentance of sin and a renewed reliance on Him.

(B) God's People Are Called to Prayer (Joel 1:13-20)

Judah had been stricken by disaster, and it was Joel's task to explain what was really happening: This catastrophe is related to the purposes of God, and it demands a Spiritual response. So Joel called the people to a day of national sorrow, fasting, and repentance (Joel 1:13-14). Such days were not uncommon among God's people (see Judges 20:26).

Question: “Why do you think Joel called the priests to wear sackcloth day and night and cry out to God?"

Sackclotlt was a sign of sorrow. Commentators note that only in times of greatest distress would it be worn at night. This indicated the situation was so severe that it warranted this time of prayer and supplication both day and night. Joel called the priests to lead the elders and all the people in a time of national lament.

There was cause for this mourning before God. The Day of the Lord indicating a time of judgment was at hand (verse 15). The horrors of famine confirmed this reality (verses 16-20). With locust-ravaged fields burned over by the scorching sun, the storehouses had been abandoned. Barren pastures had become useless to the cattle. So the people cried out to the Lord for help.

Question: “What are some ways people respond to the message of God's impending judgment, and how should we respond?”

Many who do not follow Christ will scoff at the notion of divine judgment; others will react with apathy and go about their lives without any response. But the believer should respond differently: As believers, we are to humbly examine ourselves, repent, and serve God wholeheartedly.

Repent and Turn to God

(A) Joel Delivers a Dire Warning (Joel 2:1-2,11)

For Judah in this instance, Joel represented the watchman. However, the response was not to be military action but repentance. Darkness (verse 2) was often a metaphor for sorrow and suffering. Joel‘s imagery intensified the description of invading armies spreading across the nation like light illumines darkness at the dawn. The destruction brought by foreign armies, like that of the locusts, would be unprecedented.

Joel then declared the people would tremble. Something far worse than a plague was on the horizon: imminent divine judgment. The dreadful Day of the Lord would soon be Upon them. Under the thunderous command of the Lord's voice, His forces could not be resisted (verse 11).

Question: "Today, how do we Christians sound an alarm of warning concerning the coming judgement of God?"

This is a question you and I should ponder on!

(B) Repentance Requires Action (Joel2:12-17)

Question: “What 'is repentance?”

Joel described a remedy for divine judgment: heartfelt repentance (Joel 2:12). The call to return with all their hearts captures the essence ‘of such repentance. Rending of garments was a common display of grief in that day (verse 13). But in this case, the heart - the center of moral decision and spiritual prioritiesm - had to be dealt with. A “return to the Lord” (verse 13, NIV) meant something far deeper than a recommitment to physical acts of worship. They were to reject the sinfulness and idolatry that had gripped the nation.

Yet amid the gloom of the warnings, Joel offered a glimmer of hope in verse 14. Perhaps the Lord would turn from this judgment and again provide His gracious blessings. Maybe He would allow the harvest of grain and oil to return. Joel's description here envisioned the lsraelites presenting heartfelt offerings to the Lord in responseto His provision.

In order for such hope to be realized, the people new“ to respond to God in tangib'e ways (verses 15-17).

Question: “What did Joel, call for the leaders and the rest of the people to do in these verses?”

Joel called a special gathering for national fasting and prayer. No one was exempted from this event, including the newborn. Even the newly married, who were normally excluded from such events, were required to attend. The attitude of mourning was to permeate society. Their plight threatened to destroy the nation and dishonor God among the nations - a profoundly serious issue, for God's name must be honored. They had to repent and seek God for restoration.

Read up! Joel 1:1-14, 2:1-32! Lesson continues..

^cheers!