Joel 2:1-27: Return to the Lord!

In order to get to the roses, we must first go through the thorns. The teaching of Joel in the first two chapters is hard. But roses-in the form of the promises of God-lie ahead. Because he loves us, the Father disciplines us when we wander from him. The warnings we see here are God's last resort to bring his people to true repentance-a heart relationship rather than one of empty ritual. As we read this chapter, we too must face questions of the heart.

Warming Up to God

How do we sometimes serve God outwardly rather than from the heart?

Read Joel 2:1-27

Discovering the Word

• Joel compares the invasion to "the day of the LORD" (1:15; 2:1-2, 11). What can we learn about that day from these verses?
• How can the day of the Lord be a warning against spiritual complacency?
• "Even now," what hope does the Lord offer his people, and why (vv. 12-14)?
• How do verses 12-17 help us understand repentance?
• If his people repent, what promises does the Lord make (vv. 18-27)?

Applying the Word

• In what ways would you like to renew your commitment to the Lord?
• How have you experienced God's healing through the act of repentance?

Responding in Prayer

Take time to "praise the name of the LORD your God" for the wonders he has worked for you (v. 26).