Tear your hearts, not just your clothes!

The prophet Joel is a rather enigmatic fellow.  It is believed that his book could have been written as early as the ninth century B.C.. The prophets Ezekiel, Amos, Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Micah use many similar phrases, so it is possible that though he was not otherwise mentioned in the Old Testament, his prophecies were known and heeded by those who came after him.

His overall message in his book is one of judgment and punishment.  He does not voice the popular notion that the judgment will be only for those outside of God's family, with only blessings for those who claim the Lord. Instead, he – along with other prophets – hold to the theology that the punishment will be universal, with restoration and blessing coming after judgment and repentance.

On the subject of the Day of the Lord, Joel holds forth.  He speaks of locusts as actual locusts, he calls it as he sees it.  There isn't a lot of pretty allegory in his work; he's a straightforward prophet.

His prophecies speak of darkness, fire, destruction.  A time when the light of sun and stars is dimmed if not obliterated.


God himself is involved in all of this, you see.  It is that important.  He is in the presence of his army, as a good leader of war.  Joel is clear that the Lord is not detached from the judgment enacted on the people.

God is not just a God of war, though! He loves his people and Joel is sure to tell them so.


Wait! Does this mean God can change his mind???

God's perspective is beyond our comprehension.  Completely and utterly beyond what we can possibly grasp.  He sees all possible outcomes, all possible decisions, all possible permutations resulting from everything. He is omniscient.  But!  He lets people choose where they will go.  All paths have been seen, but the choice is ours.

Our repentance can bring about a change in the path of anger, yes.  "Tear your hearts, not just your clothes," we are told. Repentence isn't about saying, "I'm sorry." It's about change. It's about turning from the way you were going and going in a better direction. It's about making a conscious effort to do what is right, not just sit there and feel sorry.

Today, what we need to do is heed this.  The Day of the Lord is coming. It will be terrible.  Only those with a contrite heart, a heart that has turned to the will of the Almighty God, will be blessed when it is over.

Will you seek to return to the Lord?  He truly is compassionate and he will heal your wounds and soothe even the most troubled spirit of the person that has yielded to him.  And he's waiting. Just for you.