Chapter 825 of 1163

JOEL 3

Four vivid pictures describe God’s future dealings with His people and the nations.

The court (1–8). In the last days, God will summon the gentile nations to court and judge them for the sins they have committed against Israel: scattering them, dividing up their land, treating them like slaves, and robbing them of wealth. This judgment has been long in coming, but it will come.

The harvest (9–13). God will call the nations to conflict and reap a final harvest (Isa. 63:1–6; Rev. 14:14–20). But His people will be strong, and God will uphold their cause.

The storm (14–17). The nations will feel the wrath of God, but He will care for His people with shelter and with strength. (See Pss. 46; 91.)

The garden (18–21). The book opens with drought and famine but closes with a description of a land of milk and honey. God will forgive His people and graciously dwell with them. He will give them a new beginning.

What the future holds for you depends on your relationship with the Lord. If you trust Jesus Christ as Savior, you will never be called into court (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1–4), and you never need fear the storm.

War, Not Peace

Joel 3:10 expresses the opposite thought from Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3. Isaiah and Micah describe the future glorious kingdom when the world will have peace instead of war. Joel’s call was, “Prepare for war!” (3:9).

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