Prophet/KingKnown ForMessage/ThemesMain Image(s) ISAIAH Gods coming judgment but also the hope and comfort of a future deliverance & restoration. MICAH Do what is good: Act justly Love mercy Walk humbly before God. JOEL

Prophet/KingKnown ForMessage/ThemesMain Image(s) ISAIAH Gods coming judgment but also the hope and comfort of a future deliverance & restoration. VINEYARD REMNANT (STUMP/SHOOT) HIGHWAY SUFFERING SERVANT MICAH Do what is good: Act justly Love mercy Walk humbly before God. JUDGE COURTROOM NEW RULER WHO WILL BRING SHALOM JOEL

Little is known about the prophet Joel. His theme revolves around the concept of the day of the Lord (Do you remember what this is?) The Book of Joel has two main divisions: Chapters 1:1 – 2:17 Describes a invasion of locusts (image of an army) Offers a call to repentance (ends with a prayer) Chapters 2:18 – 3:21 Describes the promise of deliverance (images of Eden) Anticipates a time when Gods Spirit will pour out on all people (regardless of age, sex or rank) Foretells of Gods judgment upon Judahs enemies.

The popular belief was that this was the day of victory for Gods chosen people and the final defeat of their enemies. Joel counters this idea (just like Isaiah, Amos and Jeremiah do). He describes this day as a terrible day of darknessa day that none will escape. Yet he holds out hope for those who repent and call on God for help. We believe that this day refers to the final day that will close world historythe second coming of Jesus. This will be the day that sin and evil we will defeated once and for all and Gods creation will be restored.

LOCUSTS In small numbers, locusts were not bad. John the Baptist included in his diet and they are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. Locust invasions are unpredictable and deadly. A swarm of locusts can strip trees and vines of their leaves (even their bark) in a matter of minutes. Hot dry winds from the desert carry in the swarms. A swarm of locust with fully developed wings looked like a massive black cloud. A whole years crop (grain & grapevines) could be devoured in less than a half hour. Famine quickly resulted.

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 STATEMENT OF JUDGMENT DESCRIPTION OF THE JUDGMENT PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 STATEMENT OF JUDGMENT An invasion of locusts would be so terrible that it would be remembered for generations to come. Locusts are described as an invading army, large and mighty. DESCRIPTION OF THE JUDGMENT PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 STATEMENT OF JUDGMENT An invasion of locusts would be so terrible that it would be remembered for generations to come. Locusts are described as an invading army, large and mighty. DESCRIPTION OF THE JUDGMENT Trees stripped, fields ruined, drought, destruction of vineyards, no food to offer to God, no joy in worship, sheep and cattle suffering because they have no food. The locusts are described as a consuming fire, horses, chariots, a mighty army and thieves. They strike fear in the hearts of all, are relentless and cause the earth and sky to shake and the sun and the moon to darken. PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 CALL TO REPENTANCE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 CALL TO REPENTANCE Priests were to wear sackcloth and summon everyone to a ritual of repentance. Repentance had to be from the HEART, not just a TEARING OF THE GARMENTS. All the people were to fast, weep, mourn and come together. PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

JOEL 1:2 – 20 JOEL 2:1 – 17 CALL TO REPENTANCE Priests were to wear sackcloth and summon everyone to a ritual of repentance. Repentance had to be from the HEART, not just a TEARING OF THE GARMENTS. All the people were to fast, weep, mourn and come together. PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE They were to ask God for mercy on the animals because fire had destroyed the pastures and trees. The people were to acknowledge their identity as Gods people and ask him to spare them. PART ONE: THE DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGMENT

What was the nature of Gods salvation? (Joel 2:18 – 20)

What was the nature of Gods salvation? (Joel 2:18 – 20) God would drive out the locusts and send food.

How did Joel describe the restoration of the land and animals? (Joel 2:2 – 26)

Pastures would be again be green, tree and vines would bear fruit, rains would return, the people would have plenty to eat and would praise God.