Joel

Write on paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet,

     Joel 1:1 gives Joel credit for writing the book. It also says that he is the son of Pethuel in that same verse. I think he was a prophet during Joash's reign because there is no mention of a king, but he mentions leaders of the land in 1:2. We know Joash was so young that there were leaders that reigned until he was old enough to take the responsibility of being a king. All of chapter one talks about a famine because of a plague of locusts in the land. He mentions this in contrast to the coming judgement that will be for them in chapter 2. God is calling for judgment through Joel, because of the people's sin, but he never mentions any sin in particular. Joel is inclusive of everyone for salvation and not only those in Judah (2:28, 2:32). Overall I think the purpose of this book is to bring Judah back to Himself, but also to give them great hope for God's plan for the future.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is one who looks at the heart. We've seen this in His character over and over throughout the old testament. It's one of my favorite aspects of his character and nature. He doesn't look at all the things we think impress Him, but He looks at our hearts and sees what is really there (2:13). Both the good and the bad. Joel also explains God as being merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love (2:13). Another one of my favorite aspects of Gods nature is in 2:13 where Joel says that God is “eager to relent and not punish.” Not only does Joel say God is merciful and compassionate, but we see in 2:17 that God acts out of His character and nature. He withholds judgment on His people, because of the cries of the priests.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      There is plenty about God's redemptive plan in Joel. The first thing I see is in 2:13 where God is calling Judah back to Himself. He doesn't do this with the threat of harsh judgment at this point, but with the knowledge of His grace, mercy, and His eagerness not to relent from punishment. God speaks about His future restoration for Judah in 2:19-20 and 2:28-32. He says that their enemies will be driven away and even gives a prophecy about Pentecost. He says that in that day, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:32). God says one more thing about the future and in 3:20-21 He shares of the future hope of Jerusalem. It will live throughout all generations and He will make it His home. God's plan is not for destruction, but for grace, the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of His people.

Personal Application

The words "Sound the alarm" in Joel 2:1 keep sticking out to me.  Listening to what some of the leaders on base have been saying it seems to apply.  They are leading others to be ready because the time is here.  Time to reach the lost like never before.  Hidden in that message is a call for us to be more righteous in our living than ever before.  "Sound the alarm" is applicable to my life now while God is trying to take out everything I have grown up thinking was okay.  He's taking His word and showing me what is of Him and what is not.  If we are to be revivalists, or preachers, or teachers, than we need the alarm to sound in our life.  The alarm that tells us to rid ourselves of worldliness.  Our culture has influenced many Christians so much that they have forgotten the word of God.  They have forgotten its truths and its laws.  God is sounding an alarm in my life now to stand firm on His truths and to uphold His laws.  Now all I must do is respond to the alarm.  It's easy to ignore it and think that its maybe a drill.  But its real and God has plans for my life, but in order to be the sharpest tool I  must let the word sharpen me.