After following Jesus during Holy Week, today we resume with Joel. When we were last here, we saw God promise a pouring out of His Spirit upon all. This is the passage that Peter used for Pentecost. In today’s passage, we see God remind the people that judgment will come. God sees how His people have been mistreated and abused; He sees how His people have been oppressed by the nations. One day, in God’s time, there will be a day of judgment, where God will bring righteousness upon those who have harmed His people. Today, we can have hope. God sees. God is aware. God will protect and will intercede for His people.

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Greetings and good morning on this beautiful Monday! I trust everyone had a splendid Easter celebration yesterday. My family and I certainly did, basking in the joy of the occasion. It was a day filled with blessings at St. Matthew’s, as well as a wonderful time sharing the message at Anderson United Methodist in Jackson. Easter always marks a new beginning, and I’m thrilled about the exciting developments ahead, including welcoming Mary Beth Ashley Davis as our new youth pastor at St. Matthew’s. With Easter behind us, let’s delve back into our study of the book of Joel, one of the minor prophets. Today, we’ll be concluding our exploration of Joel, transitioning to Amos afterward. So, let’s dive into Joel chapter 3.

Recalling our discussion from chapter 2, where we left off a few weeks ago, we noted God’s promise to pour out His Spirit. This promise, highlighted in Joel 2:28-32, finds its fulfillment in the events of Pentecost, as recounted by Peter. Now, in chapter 3, we witness a continuation of this theme, as God declares His intention to pour out His Spirit and usher in the day of the Lord. Let’s explore verses 1 through 16 together.

These verses paint a vivid picture of God’s righteous judgment upon the nations for their mistreatment of His people. The imagery of nations gathering in the valley of Jehoshaphat evokes a sense of divine justice being meted out. Despite the injustices inflicted upon His people—such as their scattering among the nations and the exploitation they endured—God promises to vindicate them.

As we reflect on these verses, it’s essential to heed the wisdom shared by Dr. Nick, a mentor who cautioned against invoking God’s judgment lightly. Instead, let us beseech God for His mercy, recognizing our own inadequacies. The depiction in Joel 3 echoes themes found in Revelation, underscoring God’s sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil.

In times of turmoil and persecution, it’s natural to feel abandoned or unheard by God. However, Joel reassures us that God is keenly aware of His people’s suffering and will act on their behalf. We need not take vengeance into our own hands, for God sees, hears, and will judge the oppressors.

Though the imagery in Joel 3 may evoke fear, let us interpret it through the lens of hope. God’s protection and provision for His people remain unwavering, even in the face of adversity. Let us, therefore, anchor our hope and trust in God, especially during challenging times, knowing that He will never forsake us.

In conclusion, as we await tomorrow’s exploration of the joy that lies ahead, let us cling to the hope and assurance found in God’s promises. May you all have a blessed Monday, filled with the steadfast presence of our faithful God.