READ: Joel 2 (Focus vs.21-27)
MEMORY VERSE
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:25
BACKGROUND
My heart sank. My mind started to swirl. A friend who’d been helping set up my new laptop accidentally deleted all the photos and videos I’d transferred to it.
Years of precious memories with family and friends were all gone in an instant. Panic set in. I’d never be able to recreate those cherished moments from past holidays, travels, and special occasions.
Before sentimental me could have a complete meltdown, my friend said he was hopeful he could recover my files. Thankfully, a few agonizing hours later I was overjoyed to see my special media files reappear.
I waited anxiously for only a few hours, but the fear was real. Loss can be scary and painful. In Joel 2, the prophet called the people of Judah to repentance after devastation by a horde of locusts that destroyed the grain fields, vineyards, gardens, and trees.
The prophet had warned the people of the impending consequences of their rebellion against God. But God hadn’t abandoned them. He would help and bring restoration if they placed their trust in God: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (2:25).
God restored Judah when they turned to Him. God wants to restore you as well.
Whatever circumstances you’re in, you can turn to God and trust Him—knowing that He’s “the Lord your God, and that there is no other” (v. 27). He is faithful to help you recover from what was lost and bring you into a relationship with Him.
Nancy Gavilanes
INSIGHT
For believers in Jesus, perhaps the greatest impact of Joel 2 comes when Peter quotes a portion of it during his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:17-21) and rightly shows the timeless nature of God’s plan for the rescue and restoration of His lost creation (Joel 2:28-32).
Yet, while Peter used Joel 2 to help explain the divine purpose behind the events of those recent days in Jerusalem (Acts 2:22-24), some of the things Joel prophesied would reach even further into the future:
“I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below . . . . The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:19-20; see Joel 2:30-31).
The events preceding Pentecost fulfilled one part of these prophecies, and Christ’s return will fulfill the rest! His faithful ways allow us to experience a relationship with Him and a bright future in His presence.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
How has God helped you during loss? How can you turn to God in your current situation?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Whatever circumstances you’re in, you can turn to God and trust Him—knowing that He’s “the Lord your God, and that there is no other” He is faithful to help you recover from what was lost…”
PR’s TAKE
“Restoration and hope is available each time you return to God.” Jim George
“Whenever God restores something (somebody), He restores it, (the person) to a place greater than it was before.” Bill Johnson
“The pattern of the “prodigal” is: Rebellion. Ruin, Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration.” Edwin Louis Cole
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for restoring me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“FAITHFUL IS OUR GOD” Hezekiah Walker
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God…
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Holy, holy, holy is our God
Holy, holy, holy is our God
Holy, holy, holy is our God
Holy, holy, holy is our God
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall rocover it all
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me…
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me…
I’m reaping the harvest God promised me
And I rejoice today
And I rejoice today
And I rejoice today…
For I shall recover it all
