1. Joel 1 Are you listening?

2. Overview Background The importance of the message The content of the message The effect of the judgement The call to repentance So what?

3. Background Joel is the second of the minor prophets – So called because the books are smaller in size What was thought to be chronological order – During period of Assyrian power Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Michah – During decline of Assyria Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah – During post-exilic era Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

4. Background The name Joel means “Jehovah is God” Joel was a very common name No mention of people or events to date the book – Many scholars argue 9 th Century BC – Some argue as late as 6 th Century BC

5. An important message An urgent message A universally relevant message – Oldest to youngest – All the inhabitants of the land – Future generations – Spiritual leaders to drunkards Judgement will come swiftly

6. The content of the message Warning of unprecedented events Precise designation of insects unclear Utter devastation Successive waves; no relief Double prophesy Take note now or worse will follow

7. The effect of the judgement Mourning; like a young woman widowed Nothing to offer to God – Priests mourning and unable to help The land destroyed The economy destroyed Life itself threatened The future at risk Despair, wailing, grief Joy has withered away No sign of relief

8. Call to mourning and prayer The priests must lead the way – Humble themselves, mourn and repent – Call people to repentance Fasting and sacred assembly in God’s house Cry out to God for deliverance A greater judgement will follow – Current events a warning from God – Judgement (the Day of the Lord) at hand The prophet leads by example calling to God Even dumb animals call out to God How much more should his people repent

9. So what? When God speaks we must respond urgently God speaks to everyone The message is to be passed on We must not allow the world to distract us Worldly things are fragile and of no eternal value God speaks through circumstance – Are we listening? Are we understanding? Serious, heartfelt repentance is needed Don’t despair; repent and cry out to God Even the spiritual are called to repent