Joel 1: Responding to a Crisis
A CRISIS CAN capture anyone's attention. But the response to a crisis can vary greatly from person to person. Some become bitter and hardened. Others quietly endure but learn nothing from the experience. A few, however, find their lives are purified, deepened and strengthened. In Joel 1 a major crisis has occurred—a swarm of locusts has invaded the land, with devastating results. In the aftermath of the devastation, Joel appears with a word from the Lord. His word still has the power to purify those who hear it.
Warming Up to God
What is the most traumatic event you have seen during your lifetime? Explain.
Read Joel 1. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the devastation left by the locust plague.
- How will the plague affect the drunkards (v. 5), the priests (vv. 9, 13) and the farmers (v. 11)?
- Why do you think these groups are singled out?
- Joel compares the people of Judah to a virgin mourning for her husband (a fiancÔø‡[e] was referred to as husband or wife) (v. 8). What does this metaphor say about the depth of relationship between God and his people?
- In verses 13-14 Joel calls the people to repent. How are they to demonstrate their repentance?
Applying the Word
- In what ways does God discipline his people today, either individually or corporately?
- In what meaningful ways can you express your repentance today, both individually and corporately?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to show you where your inner life is in crisis and how you need to repent.
For Further Study
Jonah, Joel & Amos by Doug Haugen & Doris Haugen