Joel, the prophets, and all of the scripture point us to God’s restoration. We see in Joel that God will bring judgment against the ones who have persecuted His people. Justice will come. But for Judah, for Jerusalem, restoration will come. The streambeds will flow with water. The Lord dwells in Zion, and He will bring forth life for all His people. Rejoice, for restoration will come. But we are not the ones who have to do it. God is the one who will do it. God is the one who will bring life. God is the one who will restore. It is His life. We are recipients of it. Not the earners. God is the giver of all good things.

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Good morning, and welcome to this Tuesday morning reflection. As you may know, I typically record these sessions a day in advance, so here I am, in my post-Easter attire, which for most preachers involves a comfortable T-shirt and perhaps a baseball hat to match. Today, we’re concluding our study of Joel, delving into the final verses of chapter 3. Let’s explore how Joel wraps up his message.

In verses 17 through 21, we hear Joel’s prophetic declaration of God’s restoration and justice. God asserts His presence in Zion, His holy mountain, promising that Jerusalem will be sanctified, never again to be invaded by strangers. The imagery of abundance—sweet wine dripping from the mountains, milk flowing from the hills, and streams of water saturating the land—captures the essence of God’s promise to restore His people.

Yet, amidst this promise of restoration, there is a sobering reminder of judgment. Egypt, symbolizing the forces of evil and oppression, will be left desolate due to its violence against God’s people. However, Judah and Jerusalem will endure forever, and God pledges to avenge the blood of His people, ensuring that justice is served.

Joel’s vision of restoration echoes the themes found throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. It symbolizes God’s overarching plan of redemption and restoration for His creation. Just as the Bible begins with the Garden of Eden and ends with the promise of a new heaven and earth, Joel’s vision points to a future where God’s abundance will flow freely, and justice will prevail.

In our world today, filled with uncertainty, pain, and injustice, Joel’s message offers hope and reassurance. It reminds us that God sees and hears the cries of His people and promises to bring restoration and justice in due time. We need not carry the burden of judgment, for that belongs to God alone. Our task is to remain rooted in God’s love and trust in His plan for restoration.

As we transition from Joel to Amos tomorrow, let us carry with us the hope and assurance found in God’s promises. Though Amos may bring a fiery message, let us remember the overarching theme of God’s redemptive love. May you have a blessed day, filled with gratitude for God’s provision, grace, and mercy. Until tomorrow, take care. Goodbye!