Joel: The “Locust” Prophet
Joel 1:1-3
Introduction
Little is known about him outside this book
Date is uncertain – most believe about 850 BC
The focus in on the enemies of Israel – Phoenicians, Philistines, Edomites, Egypt
The prophet’s description of devastation
It’s uniqueness-- (1:3).
It’s nature--A drought accompanied by a devastating locust invasion (1:4).
It’s results--The devastation
There were spiritual consequences:
No sacrifices (1:9).
The priests were out of business.
The prophet’s interpretation of these calamities
Deuteronomy 28:11-12
Deuteronomy 28:15
Deuteronomy 28:39-42
Joel 1:15
Joel 2:1
The prophet’s call to repentance
It is a call to national heart-felt repentance
1:13-14
2:15-17
2:12-13
Important lessons from Joel
In Joel we see God’s covenant faithfulness.
We see the nature of repentance.
We see the promise of Pentecost.
Acts 2:13
Joel 2:28
We see the only hope of deliverance at judgment day.
Joel 2:32
Romans 10:13
We see the ultimate defeat of God’s enemies and the victory of His people over them in the eternal kingdom, the new Jerusalem.
Joel 3:18
Conclusion:
Joel places them in the valley of decision.
It is time to decide.
Joel 3:14
Outline adapted from – http://www.truthchasers.com/Sermons/Expository/022005p.pdf