Hey, y’all! It’s Wednesday again! Seems like that happens about every seven days, doesn’t it? This week, we’re taking a look at Joel. Be sure to drop your verse in the comments. Next week is Amos. Lots of “minor” prophets coming up. But isn’t it amazing what you can find, even in the short books? God’s word amazes me. It really, really does.
Joel 2:32a (NIV)–And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved…
This verse really only works if you read the rest of Joel (Just take a gander at Joel 2 to get an idea. It’s titled “An Army of Locusts.”). As has been discussed on this blog quite a bit lately, particularly if you read the comments, it’s getting pretty obvious that we’re nearer the end every day. Not sure when it will actually come, but it’s definitely closer than it was yesterday. And if you read the Bible, you know the last days aren’t very pretty. In fact, they’re downright scary. And if recent earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, famines, and wars are any indication, well, let’s just say we’ve caught a small glimpse already, don’t you think?
But that’s why I love this verse. Joel puts out some pretty ugly images. (Again, Joel 2?) Then, tucked in the midst of this small book, there is this. It’s like a breath of fresh air (to put it the cliche’ way). My favorite part? That little word everyone. Not the pretty ones who call… Not the lifelong Christian ones who call… Not the preachers who call… Everyone who calls on His name will be saved. Every last one. Oh, how awesome is my God?!?
Don’t miss this, though. That little everyone has one condition. You have to call on His name. You have to acknowledge Him for who He is. But the awesome part is, it doesn’t matter who you are, because you are part of everyone. All that matters is who HE is.
Isn’t it awesome? God wins! And He lets us in on the victory party…
-JB
Dawn Lucowitz says
These “smaller” prophets are wicked depressing. It gets so tough to read about the destruction this world has faced and will face. I will continue to cling to the few verses in each of these books that talk about our hope. Instead of one verse, I am feeling like I need to put a few to just to remind me of God’s Love and promises.
Joel 2:13 – Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:32a – And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved;
Joel 3:16 – The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, and stronghold for the people of Israel.
God’s promises are unmistakable. Even in all the destruction that is prophesied, he is there for those who seek him. He will be a refuge for His people. He is compassionate and abounding in love!
Jodie says
Joel 3… AWESOME! I love the image of God as our mighty conqueror. I love that in Revelaton He is the triumphant warrior rider on a white horse, coming for his people. So glad He is in all of this. We would have no hope–and a whole lot of fear–without our God!
Jessica R. patch says
Great post, Jodie! I was just reading about the locusts in Joel today, from a cross reference. “Everyone”–now that’s encouraging words, my friend!
Jodie says
Thanks, Jessica! That “everyone” really got me. I love that He has opened himself to EVERYONE!
Jen says
I know I tend to say this a lot these days, but I’m going with Joel 2:13- Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love
Jen says
Ack! Didn’t mean to post that so soon… LOL As I was saying, this is happening a lot, but there’s no deep meaning for me here. I chose that verse simply because the four characteristics expressed are four that I’ve found myself striving for lately. Gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love….. it sounds so idealistic, but I’m in a situation now where those things are vital, yet far from instinctive. I found comfort in being reminded that God is all of those things and more, and that it’s only by returning to Him that my heart can be changed enough to experience that kind of attitude when everything in me screams to react differently.
Jodie says
Things we all need to remember. I could use some help on “slow to anger” when things don’t go my way. I am so glad GOD is slow to anger! I can’t imagine where I’d be right now if he flew off the handle the way we all do sometimes. Lately, I have thanked him often for his patience with me!