Joel / week 1
- 2UC Women';s Ministry / Intervarsity Press
- Feb 8, 2017
- 2 min read
Watch the Bible Project Video on Joel at YouTube
A crisis can capture anyone's attention. But the response to a crisis can vary greatly from person to person. Some become bitter and hardened. Others quietly endure but learn nothing from the experience. A few, however, find their lives are purified, deepened and strengthened. In Joel 1 a major crisis has occurred-a swarm of locusts has invaded the land, with devastating results. In the aftermath of the devastation, Joel appears with a word from the Lord. His word still has the power to purify those who hear it.
Discovering the Word
Describe the devastation left by the locust plague.
How will the plague affect the drunkards (v. 5), the priests (vv. 9, 13) and the farmers (v. 11)?
Why do you think these groups are singled out?
Joel compares the people of Judah to a virgin mourning for her husband (a fiance was referred to as husband or wife) (v. 8). What does this metaphor say about the depth of relationship between God and his people?
In verses 13-14 Joel calls the people to repent. How are they to demonstrate their repentance?
Joel compares the invasion to "the day of the LORD" (1:15; 2:1-2, 11). What can we learn about that day from these verses?
How can the day of the Lord be a warning against spiritual complacency?
"Even now," what hope does the Lord offer his people, and why (vv. 12-14)?
How do verses 12-17 help us understand repentance?
If his people repent, what promises does the Lord make (vv. 18-27)?
Applying the Word
In what ways does God discipline his people today, either individually or corporately?
In what meaningful ways can you express your repentance today, both individually and corporately?
In what ways would you like to renew your commitment to the Lord?
How have you experienced God's healing through the act of repentance?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to show you where your inner life is in crisis and how you need to repent.
Take time to "praise the name of the LORD your God" for the wonders he has worked for you (v. 26).
Comments