Joel 1-2 "A Prophecy of Humility"

Today we continue “mining the prophets”. Its no surprise that there is a consistency of message among these orators and writers. Their message is, after all, from God, and they are responding to similar issues and events. As a result, on first reading they can seem a bit repetitive. It’s a mistake to see them that way. Just as we have four gospels, with different perspectives, so the variety of the prophets rounds out an otherwise disturbing and complex picture. Isaiah deals with grand themes of history whereas Micah focuses on a challenge to live as you are called to live. Joel explores a different line. With wonderful metaphors he laments the destruction wrought by the invaders but his call to the people if less to behave in a certain way than simply to accept and submit to the sovereignty of God. It is God who has brought this about. Submit yourself to him and he will restore as much as he allowed to be destroyed. And beyond that restoration lies a further promise – a promise of such breathtaking magnificence that it seems audacious even to imagine it….