Joel 2:12-17
12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping, and mourning;
13 And tear your heart and not merely your garments.”
Now return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in mercy
And relenting of catastrophe.
14 Who knows, He might turn and relent,
And leave a blessing behind Him,
Resulting in a grain offering and a drink offering
For the Lord your God.
15 Blow a trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly,
16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and the nursing infants.
Have the groom come out of his room
And the bride out of her bridal chamber.
17 Let the priests, the Lord’s ministers,
Weep between the porch and the altar,
And let them say, “Spare Your people, Lord,
And do not make Your inheritance a disgrace,
With the nations jeering at them.
Why should those among the peoples say,
‘Where is their God?’ ”
Call to Fast and a Sacred Assembly
The Lord is merciful
Before the approaching “day of the Lord,” a call comes from the Lord (Yahweh). (1) The Lord calls the people of Israel to “return to the Lord,” not with outward repentance alone, but with inward repentance – by tearing their hearts. (2) The reason is that “For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy, and relenting of catastrophe.” This is also a restatement of the principle found in Exodus 34:6. How gracious and compassionate our God is. Let us once again remember the Lord’s grace and compassion and entrust our lives into His arms.
Blow a trumpet
Once again, the call is made, “Blow a trumpet in Zion.” This time, it is not blown to announce an enemy invasion, but to summon a fast and a sacred assembly (ref. Num. 10:10). The reason for holding a fast and a sacred assembly is to escape from the approaching wrath of God. (1) The basis for holding a sacred assembly lies in God’s grace and compassion. (2) All people, young and old, men and women, are invited to this assembly. Even newly married couples, who would normally be exempt, are no exception here. It is that important and solemn an assembly. (3) Furthermore, the priests must offer prayers with weeping. The content of the prayer is, “Do not destroy Israel, Your chosen people, but show compassion,” and “Please do not allow those who do not know God to mock Your holy name.” This is the same prayer as in Psalm 79:10: “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Let vengeance for the blood of Your servants which has been shed Be known among the nations in our sight.” Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth, “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). Let us also aspire to live lives that do not waste the grace we have received from God.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, You are a gracious God, generous toward those who repent. I also aspire to live in a way that does not receive the grace of God in vain. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.