Day 249, or September 6. Be thankful in good times. Our thoughts today are from Joel chapter
2 verse 13. REND YOUR HEART AND NOT YOUR GARMENTS. RETURN TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, FOR HE IS GRACIOUS
AND COMPASSIONATE, SLOW TO ANGER AND ABOUNDING IN LOVE, AND HE RELENTS FROM SENDING CALAMITY.
Now the big picture surrounding this verse. This prophet has such a wonderful name. It
literally means Yahweh is God, or as a Jewish speaker once said, His name is Yahweh, and
His job is God. His dates are uncertain, but he was probably around during the ministry
of Elisha. However, they are unlikely to have met as Joel was in the south whilst Elisha
was in the north. Joel uses a natural calamity to make a godly point. Centuries later Jesus
would use nature and everyday experiences to make godly points too. He emphasized that
just as a plague of locusts can cause havoc and despair, so will the day of the Lord when
it comes, but even more so. This was an early warning of judgment to come, but it would
be more than two hundred years before Nebuchadnezzar would invade and the exile begin. Now that's
plenty of warning from our loving Father God, isn't it?
Joel uses a previous catastrophe of locust infestation to warn of a future calamity.
Interestingly, God has used locusts previously when the eighth plague hit Egypt before the
Israelites were released. Ironically, Moses declared them kosher and suitable to eat in
Leviticus chapter 11.
And now our action step for today. Joel probably preached during the reign of Joash, who was
a godly king of Judah, as were the next three kings. Things were running relatively smoothly
at the time, so they had no real need of God, or so they thought. It's a natural thing for
mankind to turn to their Creator in times of trouble. That's why the most unexpected
people sometimes pray. However, don't wait until life begins to get difficult before
trusting in God. Don't use Him as an emergency service. Thank Him today for the things that
are going well for you. Count your blessings.