The Lord Judges But He Also Restores
[ READ ] Joel 3
16 The Lord roars from Zion,
and utters his voice from Jerusalem,
and the heavens and the earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge to his people,
a stronghold to the people of Israel.
Joel 3:16
and utters his voice from Jerusalem,
and the heavens and the earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge to his people,
a stronghold to the people of Israel.
Joel 3:16
Today, we close out the Book of Joel. The message is very similar to what we found in the last chapter of the Book of Amos and it is summarized by the title of this submission; The Lord Judges But He Also Restores.
Also like Amos, the prophecy spoken has both a present and a future connotation. The judgement God gives here can be aimed at those nations (Tyre, Sidon and Philista) who surrounded Israel & Judah at that time and treated His covenant people so poorly. But the chapter opens with the phrase “in those days and at that time” referring back to what was written at the end of Chapter 2 which points to a future timeframe. Many scholars believe verses 9-16 speak to the Battle of Armageddon as described in Revelation 16:12-16.
What the Book of Joel makes very clear is that the Holy God will judge and punish those who oppose Him and who have and will come against His people (Joel 3:16). Verses 17-21 details the glorious future that is in store for all those who call on the Lord to be saved (Joel 2:32).
- Chris Adomanis
Also like Amos, the prophecy spoken has both a present and a future connotation. The judgement God gives here can be aimed at those nations (Tyre, Sidon and Philista) who surrounded Israel & Judah at that time and treated His covenant people so poorly. But the chapter opens with the phrase “in those days and at that time” referring back to what was written at the end of Chapter 2 which points to a future timeframe. Many scholars believe verses 9-16 speak to the Battle of Armageddon as described in Revelation 16:12-16.
What the Book of Joel makes very clear is that the Holy God will judge and punish those who oppose Him and who have and will come against His people (Joel 3:16). Verses 17-21 details the glorious future that is in store for all those who call on the Lord to be saved (Joel 2:32).
- Chris Adomanis
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ Read verse 2 carefully. What does this tell you about the Lord’s character?
+ How would you describe the Lord’s “tone” in what is said in verses 4-16? Read Psalm 2:1-6. How would you answer someone who read these passages and accused God of being “arrogant and vindictive”?
+ Compare Joel 3:17-21 with Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2. Do you ever contemplate what living in the New Jerusalem will be like?
+ Read verse 2 carefully. What does this tell you about the Lord’s character?
+ How would you describe the Lord’s “tone” in what is said in verses 4-16? Read Psalm 2:1-6. How would you answer someone who read these passages and accused God of being “arrogant and vindictive”?
+ Compare Joel 3:17-21 with Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2. Do you ever contemplate what living in the New Jerusalem will be like?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Wrath is defined as intense, violent anger, fierce indignation, or deep resentment, often accompanied by a desire for vengeance or punishment. It’s a word not heard much in today’s church; however, just a quick research shows it appears 209 times in the Bible. In a majority of those instances, it’s being uttered by God Himself describing His “feelings” towards something and/or someone. Have you overlooked or taken for granted the holiness of God? If so, repent and plead for mercy and forgiveness from the One who promises to forgive and restore!
+ Is there sin to confess to clear the way for God to use me in his perfect purpose?
+ Wrath is defined as intense, violent anger, fierce indignation, or deep resentment, often accompanied by a desire for vengeance or punishment. It’s a word not heard much in today’s church; however, just a quick research shows it appears 209 times in the Bible. In a majority of those instances, it’s being uttered by God Himself describing His “feelings” towards something and/or someone. Have you overlooked or taken for granted the holiness of God? If so, repent and plead for mercy and forgiveness from the One who promises to forgive and restore!
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about the God who is High and Mighty, yet loves and protects those who call upon Him like a Father?
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about the God who is High and Mighty, yet loves and protects those who call upon Him like a Father?
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