Recompense for Recompense Joel 3:4

Joel the prophet described how the LORD would “gather the nations” who were not only against the people of Judah, but also were so cruel they would “cast lots” for His “people”, give a “boy for an harlot” and “sold a girl for wine”. In chapter three and verse four of his prophesy, Joel named “Tyre, Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine” as those who will receive “recompense for recompense” for their behavior where we read:

Yes, and what have you to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompense? and if you recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompense upon your own head;

The verse begins, “Yes, and what have you to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine?” Joel began with the phrase, “Yes, and what have you to do with me, O Tyre” which is all one Hebrew word “Tsor” and means “a rock” and was “the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast, “and Zidon” or “hunting and was “an ancient Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast north of Tyre”, “and all the coasts” which refers to “the circuit, boundary and territory in Naphtali largely occupied by heathen; a circuit of towns around Kedesh-Naphtali, in which were situated the 20 towns given by Solomon to Hiram king of Tyre as payment for his work in conveying timber from Lebanon to Jerusalem” “of Palestine” which means “land of sojourners” and is “the general territory on the west coast of Canaan or the entire country of Palestine”. Even though the LORD gave a general idea about those who treated Israel badly, He named “Tyre” and “Zidon”, and “all the coasts of Palestine” as those specifically who were implicated.

The verse goes on to say, “will ye render me a recompense? and if you recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompense upon your own head;” Joel continued, “will you render” or “be in a covenant of peace or be at peace” “me a recompense” or “dealing, benefit, treatment, an act of good will and by implication service or requital”? “and if you recompense me” which means “deal fully or bountifully with, repay and requite” “swiftly” or “lightly or fleetingly” “and speedily” or “haste, hurried, promptly, quickly, shortly and soon” “will I return” which means “turn back or come back” “your recompense” or “dealing, benefit, treatment, an act of good will and by implication service or requital” “upon your own head” which means “at the top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front and beginning”. The LORD's idea was that should “Tyre, Zidon and all the coasts of Palestine” “injure Him or His people”, He would quickly “requite” them very quickly.

When we think through these words of Joel, we begin to understand the resolve of the LORD to defend His people. Though they may face assault and injury for a time, the LORD is certain and sure to cast revenge upon His people's enemies. We should remember this as we consider our relationship with Jesus Christ. Though others may come against the Christian, the LORD is certain and sure to “recompense” them with the “recompense” they have exercised. May all who read these words take heed, and should we not be aligned with the LORD Jesus, let us remember, He repays “swiftly” and “speedily” those who are against Him.

Next time Joel shares the reason why God will “return” a “recompense”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Casting Lots for God's People Joel 3:3

As Joel the prophet continued to share how the LORD would “bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem”, he told how the LORD would “gather all nations, and bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat” for their mistreatment of Israel. Joel continued to describe the horrible manner in which other nations treated Israel as they “cast lots” for His people. We read:

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot,

and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

The verse begins, “And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot,...” Joel began with the phrase, “And they have cast” or “divided among themselves” “lots” which means “portions, retributions and pebbles used for systematically making decisions” “for my people” which refers to “God's nation, persons, compatriots, countrymen, kinsmen and kindred”; “and have given” or “put, set, bestow, grant, ascribe, ” “a boy” or “male child, offspring or youth” “for an harlot” which means “a cult prostitute”. The nations who were against Israel were so low in character they would trade “a boy” just for a time of pleasure with a prostitute.

The verse goes on to say, “...and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.” Joel continued, “and sold” which means “sell or merchandise” “a girl” or “damsel or marriageable young female” “for wine” which means “fermented, intoxicating and bubbling up fruit of the vine”, “that they might drink” or “imbibe to a drunken state”. Not only did these “nations” give “boys” for “harlots”, they also sold “girls” just to have a drunken spree.

When we consider these words of Joel, we can hardly imagine such cruelty to anyone. However, this is the manner the people of Judah endured. We must remember, God was watching, and now He was taking action against them. For those who fight against the people of God, take another look at these “nations'” behavior and beware. For those who have rejected God's Son Jesus Christ, even more let this be “woe” be unto thee.

Next time Joel shares how God will “return” a “recompense”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Gathering of the Nations Joel 3:2

Joel the prophet shared how the LORD was to “bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem”, and in chapter three and verse two of his prophesy, Joel shared how the LORD will “gather all nations” where we read:

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

The verse begins, “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat,...” Joel began with the phrase, “I will also gather” or “assemble and collect” “all nations” which means “people who are usually non-Hebrew”, “and will bring them down” or “descend, decline, march and sink down” “into the valley” which refers to “the vale, lowland and open country” “of Jehoshaphat” which means “Jehovah has judged” and was “symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed”. At this point in time, the LORD will “assemble” the people who are non-Hebrew into the valley which is named “Jehovah has judged”.

The verse continues, “...and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.” Joel added, “and will plead” or “judge, govern, vindicate and punish” “with them there for my people” which means “nation, persons, members of one's people, compatriots, countrymen, kinsman and kindred” “and for my heritage” or “possession, property, inheritance, portion and property” “Israel” which means “God prevails” and is “the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “whom they have scattered” or “dispersed” “among the nations” which means “people who are usually non-Hebrew”, “and parted” or “divided, shared, plundered, allotted, apportioned and assigned” “my land” which refers to “the earth, territory, district, region, piece of ground and surface of the earth”. Not only will the LORD “gather the nations” into this “valley” of judgment, but he will “vindicate and punish” them because they “dispersed” the people of “Israel” and divided God's land.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel, we begin to see the judgment of God upon the enemies of “Israel”. Though it may appear the “enemy nations” are escaping God's mighty hand, His judgment is sure, and His reasons are certain. Let us not be deceived. If we are “friends of the world”, we are “enemies of God”. Those who refuse to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will receive their just recompense for their rejection. May all who read these words take heed and receive the LORD Jesus before His judgment falls.

Next time Joel shares more about how the nations treated God's people, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Bringing Again the Captivity of Judah and Jerusalem Joel 3:1

As Joel completed the second chapter of his prophesy, he shared concerning the LORD “pouring out” His “spirit” upon “all flesh” and the benefit and “deliverance” promised to those who “call upon” Him. As Joel began this final chapter of his prophesy, He shared concerning the LORD “bringing again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem” where we read:

For, behold, in those days, and in that time,

when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

The verse begins, “For, behold, in those days, and in that time,...” Joel began with the phrase, “For behold in those days” which is one Hebrew word “yowm” and refers to “a time, year, period and division of time”, “and in that time” or “experiences, fortunes, occurrences and occasions”. As Joel begins this third chapter, he directs the people of Judah's attention to particular “days” and a specific “time” when the following events shall occur.

The verse continues, “...when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem” Joel added, “when I bring again” which is the Hebrew phrase “shuwb shuwb” and means “to turn back, return or go back” “the captivity” which literally means “captive ones or prisoners” and figuratively means “a former state of prosperity” “of Judah” which means “praised” and refers to “the territory occupied by the tribe of Judah” “and Jerusalem” which means “teaching of peace” and is “the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”.

When we think through these words of Joel, we realize God has His timing for everything. Even the “days” and “that time” when He will regather His people in “Jerusalem and Judah”, and that “timing” has come in our day. The LORD has gathered His people back into the land of Israel, and in 1948, they became a nation again. As we consider this prophetically fulfilled event and our relationship with Jesus Christ, we should keep in mind that His Spirit is moving in our day, and if we find ourselves outside a relationship with Him, let us turn to Him before the “nations” are judged.

Next time Joel shares about the LORD “gathering the nations”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Whosoever Shall Call upon the Name of the LORD Joel 2:32

As Joel the prophet continued to share about the LORD “pouring out” His “spirit” upon “all flesh”, he wrote about the “wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke”. In chapter two and verse thirty-two of his prophesy, Joel shared how “whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD” shall be “delivered”. We read:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

The verse begins, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:” Joel began with the phrase, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call” which is one Hebrew word, “qara'” which means “call out, recite, read, proclaim and utter with a loud sound” “upon the name” which means “the reputation, fame and glory” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “shall be delivered” or “to slip away, escape, slip out and save”.

The verse goes on to say, “for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said,...” Joel continued, “for in mount” or “hill, mountain, country and range of hills” “Zion” which means “parched place” and refers to “another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books” “and in Jerusalem” whose name means “teaching of peace” and is “the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the spirit” “shall be deliverance” or “escape or an escaped portion”, “as the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah and is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “has said” or “spoke, uttered, answered, thought, commanded, promised and intended”. Not only among those who “call upon” the LORD's name shall be “delivered” but also “Zion” and “Jerusalem” will be as well.

Finally the verse says, “... and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” Joel ended the verse with, “and in the remnant” or “survivors and those who are left” “whom the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah and is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “shall call” which means “call out, recite, read, cry out and proclaim”.

When we consider these words of Joel, we see the benefit of “calling” upon the “LORD”. Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Romans in chapter ten and verse thirteen, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”, and this promise is for those who “call upon” the name of Jesus Christ as their Savior and LORD. Joel stated that “Zion” and “Jerusalem” “shall be delivered”, and Paul continued this idea with those “who call upon the name of the Lord”. Let all who read these words receive the blessing of being “delivered” as they “call upon” the LORD's name.

Next time we begin the final chapter of Joel's prophesy as he shares concerning bringing back “the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Dark Sun and the Blood Moon Joel 2:31

Joel the prophet told the people of Judah how the LORD's “spirit” was to be “poured out upon all flesh”. This would affect “sons and daughters”, “old men”, “young men”, “servants” and “handmaidens”and there were also to be signs “in the heavens” and “in the earth”. In chapter two and verse thirty-one of his prophesy, Joel described how the “sun” will be “darkened” and the “moon” will be turned “into blood” where we read:

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,

before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

The verse begins, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,...” Joel began with “The sun” that comes from the root word which means “brilliant or a ray and is the light of the day” “shall be turned” or “overthrown and overturned” “into darkness” which means “obscurity and secret place”, “and the moon” or “the orbital in the sky at night” “into blood” which means “as that which when shed causes death”. Though the “sun” shines and gives light in the day, it will be brought to “obscurity”, and the white shining of the “moon” will appear like unto a “blood” red hue.

The verse goes on to say, “...before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” Joel continued with the word, “before” or “in the presence of, in person and on the surface” “the great” or “large in number, intensity, age and importance” “and the terrible” which means “feared, revered and in awe” “day” or “time, year, division of time or period” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “come” which means “go in, enter, come in, attain and be enumerated”. The “sun” and the “moon” will manifest these changes and alterations in advance of “the great day of the LORD” coming upon mankind.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel, we understand there are physical manifestations and signs which God will allow upon “the sun” and “the moon” “before” His “great day” “comes”. We should note, the “great day of the LORD” shall “come”, and the “sun” turning “dark” and the “moon” turning to a “blood” red color are signs for the people on the earth to know this period of time will surely “come”. We are to align ourselves with Jesus Christ, God's Son, through belief, trust and reliance upon Him well “before” these signs appear, and if we do, we shall escape the “coming” of the “great and terrible” day which is certain and true.

Next time Joel shares how “whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Wonders in the Heavens and Earth Joel 2:30

In addition to the LORD pouring out His “spirit” upon “all flesh”, the “sons and daughters” of Judah prophesying, the”old men” having “dreams” and the “young men” seeing “visions”, Joel the prophet wrote how God would “pour out” His “spirit” upon the “servants and handmaidens” as well. In chapter two and verse thirty of his prophecy, Joel added how God would “show wonders in the heavens and in the earth” where we read:

And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

The verse begins, “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth,...” Joel began with the phrase, “And I will show” or “give, put, set, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, devote, consecrate and dedicate” “wonders” which means “signs, miracles, portents, and tokens of future events” “in the heavens” or “the sky and the abode of the stars” “and in the earth” which refers to “land, country, territory, district or region”. The LORD will show through “signs and miracles” His awesome power, presence and might.

The verse goes on to say, “...blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.” Joel continued with examples of what would happen “in the heavens and in the earth” as he wrote, “blood” or “bloodshed as that which when shed causes death”, “and fire” or “flames or supernatural fire” “and pillars” or “columns and palm-like spreading at top” “of smoke” which means “vapor, dust or breath strongly through the nostrils”. The visible signs of “blood, fire and pillars of smoke” would demonstrate the awesome power and ability of God Almighty.

When we think through these words of Joel, we see yet again the LORD's desire to bring great “miracles” and “signs” “in the heavens” and “in the earth” to demonstrate His power, presence and might. The promise of Him “pouring out His spirit” in the days when Judah humbled themselves before Him was also fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and will be fulfilled in the “last days” as well. If we are wise, we will align ourselves with the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ His Son, and may the “LORD” show signs and wonders in the “heavens” and “earth” and “pour out His Spirit” upon all who do.

Next time Joel shares how the “sun” and “the moon” will be affected, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God's Spirit Upon Servants and Handmaids Joel 2:29

Joel the prophet shared how the LORD was going to “pour out” His “spirit upon all flesh”, and he told the people of Judah “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions”. In chapter two and verse twenty-nine of his prophecy, Joel added to those whom the LORD will “pour out” His “spirit” as he included “servants and handmaidens” where we read:

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

The verse begins, “And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days...” Joel began with the phrase, “And also upon the servants” which refers to “the slaves, subjects and bondmen” “and upon the handmaids” which means “maids, slave-girls and women servants” “in those days” or “division of time, period, season and space. When the LORD “pours out” His “spirit” upon “all flesh”, even those who are generally ascribed to “menial” or “basic” tasks will be blessed.

The verse goes on to say, “... will I pour out my spirit.” Joel continued, “will I pour out” or “shed, spill forth, expend, sprawl out and gushed out” “my spirit” which means “the wind, breath, mind, vivacity of God's spirit”. The LORD will “expend” His “vivacity and breath” toward all who will receive Him “in that season or period of time”.

When we think through these words of Joel, we see the marvelous compassion the LORD has toward everyone who will follow after Him. Those who are generally seen to have “less value” among men will be blessed with an equal portion of “God's Spirit” being “poured out” among them. A relationship through Jesus Christ with an attentiveness toward “God's Spirit” will avail much for those who are willing, and when God “pours out” His “spirit” upon everyone, none of us will be exempt from His blessings no matter what our station in life may be.

Next time Joel tells how the LORD will “show wonders in the heavens and the earth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD's Spirit Poured Out Joel 2:28

As the LORD blessed the humbled people of Judah, Joel told them the LORD would be “in the midst of Israel” and they would “never be ashamed”. In chapter two and verse twenty-eight, Joel told the people “afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh” where we read:

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

The verse begins, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;” Joel began with the phrase, “And it shall come to pass afterward” or “following after, hinder and behind ”, “that I will pour out” or “shed, spill forth, expend, sprawl out and gushed out” “my spirit” which means “the wind, breath, mind, vivacity of God's spirit” “upon all flesh” which refers to “the bodies and mankind”. While the LORD is “in the midst” of His people, He will “expend” His Almighty Spirit upon people everywhere.

The verse goes on to say, “and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” Joel added, “and your sons” or “male children and grandsons” “and your daughters” which means “girl children and granddaughters” “shall prophesy” or “speak forth by inspiration”, “your old men” which refers to “the elder and ancient men” “shall dream” “bind firmly, recover, become strong or robust in” “dreams” which means “dreams with prophetic meanings”, “your young men” or “youth or a young man of mature age but unmarried which is used for young warriors” “shall see” or “behold, inspect, perceive and consider” “visions” which refers to “divine revelations”. When the LORD “pours out” His “spirit”, both older and younger males will be affected by as they “dream dreams” and “see visions”.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel, we understand this to mean not only the fulfillment of this prophecy in Joel's day, but also in the days after Jesus ascended into heaven. In chapter two and verses sixteen through eighteen Peter the apostle on the day of Pentecost said, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”. The LORD was to “pour out his spirit” upon “everyone” both older and younger, and the manifestation of His spirit was that older men would have “divine dreams” with “prophetic meanings”, and the “younger men” would have “divine revelations”. May the LORD “pour out His spirit” upon us in these last days, and may all who see the evidence thereof come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ our LORD.

Next time Joel tells how the LORD will “pour out” His “spirit upon the servants and the handmaids”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD in the Midst of Israel Joel 2:27

Joel the prophet told the people of Judah they would “eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD” their “God” because “He has dealt wondrously with” them. In chapter two and verse twenty-seven of his prophecy, Joel continued to share more about how the people would respond to the LORD's blessings as the LORD shall be “in the midst of Israel” where we read:

And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God,

and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

The verse begins, “And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else:” Joel began with the phrase, “And you shall know” or “perceive, see, find out, discern, discriminate, distinguish and know by experience” “that I am in the midst” or “among, within the inner part and in the middle” “of Israel” whose name means “God prevails” and refers to “the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “and that I am the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “your God” or “the ruler, judge, divine one and the true God”, “and none else” which means “no other one”. When the LORD blessed the people of “Israel”, and they knew that God Almighty was their “LORD” and “no one else”, there would be no greater security available for the “people of God”.

The verse continues, “and my people shall never be ashamed.” Joel added, “and my people” which refers to “the nation , persons, members of one's people, compatriots, countrymen, kinsmen and kindred” “shall never” or “in long duration, antiquity, futurity, forever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, of old, future and of long time past” “be ashamed” which means “put to shame, be disconcerted or disappointed”. Because the LORD would be “among” the people of “Israel”, they would never have to be “ashamed” of their state again.

When we think through these words of Joel, we should be excited about the LORD being “in the midst” of His people. Paul the apostle wrote, “in him we live, move and have our being”, and when we realize the LORD is with us, there is no greater safety zone. When we have Jesus as our Savior and LORD, we do not need to be afraid nor “ashamed”. The LORD is with us, and “if God be for us, who can be against us”? May the LORD Jesus by His Holy Spirit allow us to know the benefits to living in His presence.

Next time Joel tells the people tells the people how the LORD “will pour out” His “spirit upon all flesh”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Eating Plenty and Satisfied Joel 2:26

Joel the prophet told the people of Judah about the manner in which the LORD would bring blessings because they humble themselves before Him. The LORD was to “restore to” them “the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm” His “great army which” He “sent among” them. In chapter two and verse twenty-six of His prophecy, Joel shares how the people will “eat in plenty, and be satisfied” where we read:

And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that has dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

The verse begins, “And you shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God,...” Joel began with the phrase, “and you shall eat” which is the Hebrew word “akal” and means “devour, burn up and consume” “in plenty” which repeats the same Hebrew word “'akal” and means “devour, burn up and consume”, “and be satisfied” or “be sated, fulfilled and surfeited”, “and praise” which means “to shine, flash forth and be boastful” “the name” or “reputation, fame, glory and memorial” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “your God” or “the ruler, judge and divine one”. Joel shared how there would be much available to consume, and they would be so fulfilled they would “praise” the LORD's name.

The verse continues, “...that has dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” Joel went on to write, “that has dealt” which means “fashioned, accomplished, made and produced” “wondrously” or “marvelously, surpassing, extraordinary and separate by distinguishing action” “with you” which refers to the people of Judah: “and my people” which refers to the people of Judah” “shall never” or “with long duration, antiquity, futurity, everlasting, perpetual, old and ancient” “be ashamed” which means “put to shame, disconcerted and disappointed”. Rather than be ashamed as they had been in the past, the people of Judah would experience the “extraordinary and surpassing” blessings of the LORD.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel, these promises must have been a delight for the people of Judah to hear. They had abandoned and forsaken the ways of God, and His judgment fell upon them. However, once they turned their hearts and minds toward Him and made Him the priority of their lives, they enjoyed His provision and blessings in extraordinary ways. When people who have not received Jesus as their LORD and Savior turn their lives over to Him, they too will not only know the peace that God has to offer, but as the people of Judah, they shall enjoy the LORD's blessings which shall afford them shame no more.

Next time Joel tells the people they will “eat in plenty, and be satisfied”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Restored Years Joel 2:25

As Joel the prophet continued to share how the LORD would bless Judah when they humbled themselves before Him, he wrote of how they, the “beasts of the field”, and the “children of Zion” had no need to be afraid. He would provide the “former and latter rain” which would supply “bumper” crops and fill their “threshing-floors” with “wheat” and their “vats” with “wine and oil”. In chapter two and verse twenty-five of his prophecy, Joel wrote how the LORD would “restore” to the people “the years” that were stolen from Judah where we read:

And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm,

and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

The verse begins, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm,...” Joel began with the phrase, “And I will restore” which literally means “brings peace” and figuratively means “to complete, be finished, ended or be sound” “to you the years” which means “or division and measure of time” “that the locust” which refers to “the full-grown consuming locust” “the cankerworm” or “the licking locust”. In the reverse order of Joel chapter one and verse four, Joel the prophet explained the restoration which would occur throughout Judah.

The verse goes on to say, “...and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” Joel continued, “and the caterpillar” or “swarming locust”, “and the palmerworm” which means “the gnawing locust” “my great army” or “large and important strength, might, efficiency, wealth and ability” “which I sent among you” which refers to “stretching out, extending, directing and letting loose” the invading nation that came against the people of Judah. Joel continued to share how the LORD would “restore” what the “invading army” took from Judah from the greatest of invaders to the smallest perpetrators.

When we meditate upon Joel's words, we admire the ability and willingness of the LORD to bring back what the enemy has taken away. We may feel like “everything” has been stolen from us, and when this occurs, let us remember that our relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ His Son ensures us that sooner or later He will “restore” what the enemies have stolen from the greatest to the least of them.

Next time Joel shares how the people shall “shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Plentiful Floors and Fats Joel 2:24

Because the LORD was going to pour out His blessings upon the humbled people of Judah, Joel the prophet instructed them to “be glad and rejoice” because the LORD their God “has given” them “the former and the latter rain”. In chapter two and verse twenty-four of his prophecy, Joel continued to describe the benefits of the LORD's blessings as he wrote concerning the “floors” of “wheat” and the “fats” of “wine and oil” where we read:

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

The verse begins, “And the floors shall be full of wheat,...” Joel began with the phrase, “And the floors” or “the threshing-floor, barn floor, corn floor or void place” “shall be full” which means “with abundance and satisfied” “of wheat” or “corn or grain”. As the people of Judah humbled themselves before God, even their “threshing-floors” would be filled with “corn and grain”.

The verse continues, “...and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.” Joel added, “and the fats” which were “the wine vats or wine presses” “shall overflow” or “be abundant and overflow” “with wine” which means “fresh or new wine or freshly pressed wine” “and oil” or “fresh and shining oil”. In addition to the “corn and grain” being abundantly supplied, the people of Judah would also experience the copiousness of vines and oil as well.

When we consider these words of Joel, we continue to see the manner in which the LORD blesses people physically when they turn to Him spiritually. The people of Judah were to experience “bumper” crops whereby both their “threshing-floors” and their “wine and oil vats” would be abundantly full. When we align ourselves with God's salvation plan for man by accepting His Son Jesus as Savior and LORD, we too may experience the blessings He promises to His people. May the LORD lead us to an abundantly full relationship with Jesus Christ.

Next time Joel tells how the LORD will “restore the years” of “the cankerworm, caterpillar and palmerworm”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Former and Latter Rain Joel 2:23

As Joel continued to share how the LORD would bless the humbled people of Judah, he told them not only would “the land” not have to be afraid, but also “the beasts of the field” would have no need to fear either. The “pastures of the wilderness” would “spring” and the “tree” and “vine” would “bear” and “yield” their “strength”. In chapter two and verse twenty-three of his prophecy, Joel shared concerning “the former and latter rain” where we read:

Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

The verse begins, “Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God:” Joel begins with the words, “Be glad then” which means “rejoice and exult”, “you children” or “son or grandson” “of Zion” which means “parched place” and refers to “Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books”, “and rejoice” which means “be gladdened, merry and gleesome” “in the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “your God” or “the divine ruler and judge, the one true God”. Because the LORD promised to bless the “people, land, beasts, trees and vines” the “sons and grandsons” of “Jerusalem” were to “be glad” and “rejoice” in Him.

The verse continues, “for he has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain,...” Joel added, “for he has given” or “put, set, delivered, bestowed, granted, permitted, ascribed, employed, devoted, consecrated, dedicated and entrusted” “the former rain” or “the early rain” which refers to “the autumnal rain from the middle of October to the middle of December” “moderately” which means “in due measure, just, righteous, truthful, justified and ethically right”, “and he will cause to come down” which means “descend, march down or sink down” “for you” which refers to “the people of Judah and Jerusalem” “the rain” which means “violent rain and heavy shower”. The people of Judah can “be glad and rejoice” because the LORD will provide the “autumn” rain that prepares the growth of the “vines and trees” of the land.

Finally the verse says, “... the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” Joel ended the verse with “the former rain” which refers to “the autumnal rain from the middle of October to the middle of December”, “and the latter rain” which means “the spring rain which matures the crops of Palestine” “in the first month” or “primary, chief, beginning and of old time”. In addition to the “autumn” rain, the LORD will also provide the “spring” rain for the “mature” plants to be fully watered.

When we think through these words of Joel, we not only see the physical benefits to the visitation of the LORD upon the people of Judah, but also the spiritual ones. When the LORD brings physical blessings, they are indicators of the spiritual alignment the people have with Him. We too may align with God Almighty as we come to Him through a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Let all who read these words come to the saving knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ, and may the blessings of the LORD be poured out upon all who do.

Next time Joel tells what will happen with the “floors” and “fats”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.