The Day of the Lord: Salvation Promised.

Review.

Last month we started chapter 2 of Joel’s prophecy. What we noticed is that the description of the army in chapter 2, verses 1-11, were very similar to that of chapter one’s description of the locust plague that had come.

We discussed that these two instances, the locust plague and the invasion army, both acted as precursors or near fulfillments of the coming future day of the Lord. One in which judgment comes upon the whole earth.

We did, however, deal with these two day of the Lord fulfillments were taking place against God’s please, and we considered, in verses 12-17, what God would have His people do. Namely, repent.

A Matter of Grace (v. 12, 13).

A Matter of the heart (vv. 12, 13).

A Matter of importance (vv. 15-17).

They were to call a solemn assembly, to bring the elders, to bring the nursing infants and children, interrupt honeymoons, to put a stop the to sacrifices (literally the priests were to stop between the porch and the altar) and intercede for God to have pity or have compassion on His people as they tore their hearts before Him.

Even more so, look at the end of verse 17, they were no longer concerned for themselves, but they were concerned now about God’s glory: Joel 2:17 “Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Pity Your people, O Yahweh, And do not make Your inheritance a reproach, A byword among the nations. Why should they among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’””

Tonight, we look at Yahweh’s response. Let’s begin by read Joel 2:18-32.

We’ll see this in two main headings:

Physical Salvation Promised (vv. 18-27).

Spiritual Salvation Promised (vv. 28-32).

Physical Salvation Promised (vv. 18-27).

We see here divine reversals.

Reversal with the locusts (v.20).

Remember these could be both the invading army of last month, or the legitimate locust plague of chapter one. It is somewhat difficult to tell.

Verse 25, we see the list from Joel 1:4.

The locusts, who once were vibrant and prosperous, rot and died.

Reversal with the land.

v.19. the grain, new wine, and oil are the very things that we saw consumed in 1:10, 13, 17.

Notice that these were attached to the worship (the grain and drink offerings).

They were unable to perform the temple worship because of the locust plague.

The land that was barren, now produces abundantly, and rejoices (v. 21).

Reversal of the beasts.

v.22.

All of this mirrors what happens in the future, after the Day of Yahweh.

Nature groans for the revealing of God’s sons: Romans 8:18-22.

During the Millennial Kingdom, the curse is abated: Isaiah 11:6-9.

Reversal of the People.

v. 18b. God shows compassion.

They will never be put to shame again (v. 19, 26, & 27).

Now, we understand that the Jewish People have been become a reproach again, so their is somewhat of a near/far fulfillment.

Now, they are a reproach that the world seeks to cast off, but in the future, according to Revelation 20:4-6, they will reign with Christ and His Bride, in His Kingdom for 1,000 years.

Reversal of God.

We saw this last month after discussing repentance. Look again at Joel 2:12-14.

What we see here is God’s response to true repentance,

true repentance is focused on the glory of God, and not on the consequences of sin.

Joel 2:17 “Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Pity Your people, O Yahweh, And do not make Your inheritance a reproach, A byword among the nations. Why should they among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’””

God’s act remains totally of grace, unmerited favor.

Joel 2:25. God pays back what happened because the locusts. HE DID NOTHING WRONG!!!

Notice why God acted in verses 18-27:

v.18: His Land and People.

v. 26: They praise the name of Yahweh God.

Spiritual Salvation Promised (vv. 28-32).

The Spirit will be given to everyone who trusts in the Messiah.

The Old Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit differs from the how He ministers now. Primarily in that He was given to those who lead the People of Israel, like King Saul or King David. And is spoke of those who who would prophesy (speak God’s Word).

1 Samuel 16:14. The Spirit leaving King Saul.

Psalm 51:11. David asking for the Spirit not to leave him.

2 Chronicles 15:1; 20:14; 24:20.

The OT speaks of a future ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Moses foretells:

Numbers 11:16-17. The Spirit that God put on Moses, was now put on the Elders for wisdom.

Numbers 11:29 “But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of Yahweh were prophets, that Yahweh would put His Spirit upon them!””

There were a couple of Elders that did not present themselves to Moses, yet were prophesying to the People. Joshua told Moses about it, and yet Moses foretells of a coming day when all will have the Holy Spirit.

The Prophets foretell:

Ezekiel 36:25-27.

Jesus speaks of this ministry difference in John 14:16, 17; 16:5-15.

We see that this ministry was beginning to be fulfilled in Acts 2:16-21, at the day of Pentecost.

Salvation from the Great and Awesome day of Yahweh will be granted to those who call on Him by faith.

The Global Scope (vv. 30, 31).

No longer regional.

God will graciously save those who call upon His Name in faith (v. 32).

Romans 10:13; 11:26.

Application Discussion:

How can we apply this today, in the way that we live and minister as Peru Grace Brethren Church?