Blow the Trumpet in Zion

Joel wrote about the day of God’s judgement against Judah and Jerusalem. He prophesied regarding the impending disaster which was to come upon Isreal. His call was to repentance. “That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning” (Joel 2:12). God was looking for an inward repentance of the heart and not merely an outward show without meaning. Joel spoke of God’s compassion and willingness to forgive his people.

“Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting” (Joel 2:15). Joel called for a time of consecration of the people of Isreal. He had a special call for the Priests who ministered unto God, to stand at the entrance of the temple and weep. Their cries would be for God to spare his people and to remove their shame. Joel spoke of a promise of restoration, if the people would repent. “The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you” (Joel 2:25).

Joel’s final discourse in chapter 2, was a promise of God’s spirit poured out on his people. This outpouring would include everyone young and old, male and female. There would be an increase in visions, dreams, revelations and prophecies. God also declared that wonders would appear both in the heavens and earth. Everyone who called on the name of the Lord would be saved (Joel 2:32). Within Joel’s lamentations and warnings, was a promise of restoration. This restoration was conditional and the caveat was repentance.

Joel was specific about the type of repentance which was required. Not an outward show of the rending of their garments, without inward godly sorrow with repentance. Joel had a specific call for the Priests and those who served in the house of the Lord, to cry out on behalf of the people. Fasting and consecration of the entire nation was Joel’s recommendation. The final promise was an outpouring of the spirit of God. Although times and seasons change, the principles of God remain the same. Seasons of restoration require repentance and consecration.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

A.P.-Y.