Theological Commentary: Click Here
Joel 2 is a
classic prophetic danger. A threat looms. The threat seems insurmountable. The prophet calls to people to repent. He tells them to pay attention to the
condition of their hearts instead of their outward appearances. This is classic prophetic literature.
The
interesting thing is that it actually works!
God relents. He forgives. He once more becomes jealous for the land and
brings back life to it. Harvests
happen. Streams and rivers gain water. Vats overflow with wine and oil. The process works. God absolutely respects and hears genuine
repentance!
God goes
further than that. He promises to pour
out His Spirit – a promise fulfilled in Christ.
God wants relationship with us. He wants more than that, actually. God wants to dwell with us. He wants to be our God personally. He wants relationship, not just worship.
The neat
thing about God’s promise, though, is His interaction with everyone. Sons and daughters will prophesy. Male and females will receive God’s Spirit. God doesn’t intend for there to be anything –
even our gender – to come between Him and us.
Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Everyone.
Not just the priests. Not just
the men. Not just the rich. Not just the Hebrews. Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord
will be saved.
God loves
the repentant. God loves those who
desire a relationship with Him.
Interestingly enough, that’s exactly what the prophets are all
about. God wants us to not forget Him
but to be in relationship with Him.
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