In Joel 2 we see three things again, a future Day of the Lord, a call to repentance, and deliverance.

In the first part of chapter 2 we see a future Day of the Lord in which an army will come through and devastate the land. It is described as a fire consuming before them and a flame burning behind them. Saying the land before them is like that of Eden, but behind them it will be a desolate wilderness. After this we have Joel calling them to repentance.

In verses 12-13 Joel writes, “‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.’ Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.” What was true then is true now, that God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil (or calamity). So let us take heart as well and repent for the Day of the Lord is drawing near!

After these two parts we get to a promise of deliverance. And along with this deliverance he promises the gift of His Spirit, and this deliverance will come to all who call on the name of the Lord. So let us repent and draw near to the Lord, looking forward to the promised day of deliverance, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Thanks for reading,

Pastor Josh