The day of the Locust

Joel 1:1. Joel was a prophet to the nation of Judah, also known as the southern kingdom. Although the 12 tribes of Israel had been united under David and Solomon, after David’s death, the kingdom had been divided into two parts. Two of the tribes, Judah and Benjamin, stayed loyal to David’s line and accepted Solomon’s son Rehoboam as king. They became the southern kingdom, also called Judah. The other ten tribes followed Jeroboam, set up a new kingdom with a new capitol at Samaria, and called themselves Israel or the northern kingdom. The book does not mention when Joel lived, but many believe that he prophesied during the reign of King Joash. But the date of Joel’s book is not nearly as important as its timeless message:sin brings God’s judgment, yet with God’s justice there is also great mercy.
Joel 1:3. God urged parents to pass their history down to their children, telling over and over the important lessons they learned. One of the greatest gifts you can give younger people is your life’s story to help them repeat your successes and to avoid your mistakes.
Joel 1:4. A locust plague can be as devastating as an invading army. Locusts gather in swarms too great to number and fly several feet above the ground, seeming to darken the sun as they pass by. When they land they devour almost every piece of vegetation, covering and entering everything in their path. Joel’s detailed description has caused many to believe that he was referring to an actual locust plague that had come or was about to come upon the land. Another view is that the locust symbolize an invading enemy army. Both may be foreseen. The locusts represent devastation, and Joel’s point was that God would punish the people because of their sin. Joel calls this judgment the ‘’ day of the Lord’’.
Joel 1:5. The people’s physical and moral senses were dulled, making them oblivious to sin. Joel called them to awaken from their complacency and admit their sins before it was to late. Otherwise , everything would be destroyed , even the grapes that caused their drunkenness. Our times of peace and prosperity can lull us to sleep. We must never let material abundance hinder our spiritual readiness.
Joel 1:15. The ‘’ Day Of The Lord’’ is a common phrase in the Old Testament and in the book of Joel. It always refers to some extraordinary happening, weather a present event, like a locust plague, an event in the near future, like the destruction of Jerusalem or the defeat of enemy nations, or the final period of history when God will defeat all the forces of evil.
Joel 1: 15-19. Without God, destruction is sure. Those who have not personally accepted God’s love and forgiveness will stand before him with no appeal. Be sure to call on God’s love and mercy while you have the opportunity.

God judges all people for their sins, but he is merciful to those who turn to him and offers them equal salvation.

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