Day 173 – Joel: Introduction
“This is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” Joel 2:12-13 NLT
A single bomb devastates a city, and the world is ushered into the nuclear age. A split atom yields power and force unlike anything we have ever seen. At a launch site, rockets roar, thrusting a payload into space. Discoveries long dreamed of for centuries are within our grasp as we begin to explore the edge of the universe. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, and tornadoes unleash uncontrollable and unstoppable forces. And we can only try to avoid them and then pick up the pieces.
Power, strength, might – we stand in awe at these natural and human-made displays. But these forces cannot touch the power of the omnipotent God. Creator of galaxies, atoms, and natural laws, the sovereign Lord rules all that exists now and that ever will be. How silly to live without Him; how foolish to run and hide from Him; how ridiculous to disobey Him. But we do. Since Eden, we have sought independence from His control, as though we were gods and could plot our own future. And he has allowed our rebellion. But soon, the Day of the Lord will come.
The prophet Joel speaks about this day, and it is the theme of his book. At that time, God will judge all unrighteousness and disobedience – all accounts will be settled and the crooked made straight.
Prayer: Father, we are so caught up in the world spinning ever faster into a future further away from You. Where human needs, desires and interests take the place of pure worship and adoration, becoming to You. As we work through Joel, remind us that You are the Creator and that in the end, You will still reign as Sovereign Creator of all. Amen.
