Joel 3:1-21

As the Lord moves throughout the history of the world He uses nations to bring about judgment on His people and then He moves to judge those nations.  When we see a nation like Babylon being used to bring about judgment on Israel we should not assume that Babylon is in some way more godly than Israel.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  God may use them as an instrument of His judgment so that He can later be proven to be the objects of His judgment.  We may not always understand God’s methods or be able to see how His workings in history will come together for His glory, but we can be assured that He is in control and that He knows exactly what He is doing.

THE PROMISE OF REVENGE: The nations surrounding Israel invaded the land and took the people captive.  This was all a part of God’s plan of judgment for His people.  However, in taking the people captive these godless nations also desecrated the temple of the Lord taking the gold and silver from the temple of God and hauling it off to their own cities to be used as objects of worship to their idols.  They also treated the people like property to be sold as slaves and were merciless in their dealings with God’s people.  God takes note of these sinful acts and He promises to take revenge on these nations.  He calls these nations to come to war and promises that they will be soundly defeated in battle and made to be an illustration of God’s wrath as well as an object of His judgment.  It may seem like unbelievers sin without consequence, but we can rest assured that God is just and all things will be made right at a determined point in time.  We can trust in His sovereign control over the events of this world.

THE PROMISE OF REFUGE: God promise to bring the children of Israel back to the land and to bless them with prosperity and security.  The milk and honey for the days of old will once again flow.  The rivers will be full of water and the scorched earth will blossom and bring forth rich fruit.  God will be a refuge to His people as He protects them from harm and provides all of their needs.  He will transform their hearts and they will worship Him alone.  They will rejoice in their relationship with Jesus and their sins will be forgiven.  God’s judgment on Israel will eventually come full circle and accomplish its intended purpose of bringing the people back to a full and rich relationship with Him.  He called His people for a purpose and the purpose will be accomplished.  All of history is coming together to culminate in this great time of blessing in and through His people.