Joel 2 -- Where One Of My Favorite Verses Comes From!

God gave Joel some “future for them” messages as well as some “future for us” messages.  Joel told of the Assyrian invasion that was 100 years away at the time, but He also told of an end times invasion, too.  My commentary said, “God can use even heathen nations to accomplish His purposes on this earth.  We’d best remember that today.

Regarding the 100-year heads-up, my commentary said, “The nation didn’t know when this invasion would occur, so the important thing was for them to turn to the Lord now.  But they must be sincere.  It’s easy to participate in a religious ceremony, tear your garments, and lament, but quite something else to humbly confess your sins and bring to God a repentant heart … The one thing that encourages us to repent and return to the Lord is the character of God.  Knowing that He is indeed gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love ought to motivate us to see His face.”

Perhaps my favorite verse here is verse 25:  “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.”  Those were years we stepped away from God, yet He is going to make them up to us!  It’s like God is saying, “I will not only forgive you.  I will give you back the years you wasted.”  That shows His amazing love for us!

Father, I’ve watched as You have already done that in my life.  Although I still remember and mourn the years I wasted away from You, You have been faithful to forgive me and forget them, and to more than give me back those years through what You’ve already done in my life.  Yet You promise that even more is coming!  I’m constantly amazed at Your love for me!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford