The book of Joel contains three chapters and 73 verses. The name Joel means "Jehovah is God" or "Persuaded of God." Some have referred to this prophet in different ways: prophet of the locust plague (1:4:7); prophet of the temple (1:14; 2:15); and prophet of Pentecost (2:28-32). According to secular history, Israel had suffered four successive invasions by locusts that devoured the vegetation in the entire land. But the book's main theme is "the day of the Lord." God wants the people to repent and return to Him, or they will suffer terrible consequences. Let us examine some lessons to be learned from Joel's prophecy.
National calamity is the fruit of national sin. Individuals, as well as nations, reap what they sow. (Galatians 6:7,8) "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." {Proverbs 14:34} True, God gives each nation free choice to pursue its own course. But at some point, He will not allow the people to continue unpunished. God always makes the call.
People whose happiness depends on material possessions will be miserable when they no longer have them. "Be ashamed, you farmers, wail, you vinedressers, for the wheat and barley; because the harvest of the field has perished." {Joel 1:11} Physical and temporal things cannot bring lasting pleasure. This world's goods are fleeting and temporary. During this life, millions of people discover the truth of these words. In eternity, many more will learn it.
Mere external religion is dangerous. "Rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness... Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him -- a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?" {Joel 2:13,14} At different times, the Jews destroyed their altars, idols, and high places; promising to do many things. How long did it last? Sadly, what God wanted was what he never had -- their hearts. True love for God always begins in man's heart. Someone said: if the heart of man can be won, his works will take care of themselves.
Blessings follow repentance. "Then the Lord will be jealous for His land, and pity His people. The Lord will answer and say to His people, Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, ... I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations." {Joel 2:19,20} When God's people turn from sin and back to Him, He forgives and blesses them again. Forgiveness cannot come before repentance. God requires repentance before He reinstates His blessings and fellowship to a disobedient child. God continued to send the prophets to awaken His people to the opportunity He graciously extended. They left by choice, and returning must also be their choice.
Calling on the Lord's name brings salvation. "And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved ..." {Joel 2:32} Joel's words voiced an eternal truth. "Calling on the name of the Lord" can save any one -- in any dispensation of time. What does "Calling on the name of the Lord" mean? It means doing whatever the Lord commands! Sinners need to learn that sin's real tragedy is the remaining in it! Turn now to a merciful and loving God. If you wait until "the day of the Lord," it will be too late! Don't let that DAY catch you by surprise!