The Day of the Lord

When disaster strikes, people often either blame particular sins or push God out of the picture. Joel treats Judah’s locust plague as a warning of final judgement, yet neither Joel nor Jesus permits linking one tragedy to one specific sin. Such warnings call everyone to heartfelt, daily repentance. God is slow to anger, gracious and rich in faithful love. Jesus’ cross grounds this mercy, and the poured-out Spirit equips God’s people to warn others while trusting His promise of salvation and a new creation. Bible Reference: Joel 2:11–32 Preacher: John Westendorp