(REFLECTIONS ON Joel 2:1-32)

As we read the words of the prophets, we really need to go beyond the words and visualize what the prophet is seeing. Words cannot describe fully the overwhelming physical and spiritual vision that a prophet sees.

In today’s Scripture, we can visualize a powerful army coming towards Jerusalem. This powerful army leaves behind desolation and when they see Jerusalem, they see the a beautiful and flourishing garden before them. However, it soon will be like the other lands they have conquered, a desolate wilderness.

A great and mighty people and have come to take over Jerusalem. For some reason, and perhaps this is because I watch too many Marvel movies, I imagine a scene from the Avengers as they battled the forces led by Thanos. However, in your mind, you may see something else.

Ahead is bright, colorful, full of life, and what is left behind is colorless, full of ashes and death. That is why the people of Jerusalem are in anguish and all faces turn pale. They know what is coming, and with it is desolation.

However, it is in a time like this that the people need to return back to the Lord with all their heart. No longer should they believe in just a religion, but they need to trust in the real and true God.

18 Then the Lord will be zealous for His land
And will have pity on His people.

Yes, a common enemy, a great overwhelming force like Babylon, Thanos, Hitler, etc., can bring about great destruction, but also is an opportunity for true change. That is because judgment awakens us to the reality that we are desperately in need of God’s mercy.

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is calling out to us as well. He is calling for us to turn from our religion to a love relationship with Him that begins in our hearts. It is in the heart where Jesus Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit is more than just a religion, but a true physical and spiritual relationship with the one true God.

28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.

Let the Spirit of God into our hearts! For He is pouring His Spirit on all mankind! Let us receive it, and prophesy (speak His Word), dream dreams, see visions, and break out of the religious shell into a true faith in our Faithful Father. May the wars of this world, the battles of life, teach us to turn to Him!

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Joel 2