After calling for “a
solemn fast” by the “priests”, “ministers” and
“all the inhabitants” of Judah, Joel the prophet declared
“Alas, the day of the LORD is at hand”, and the
devastation from this time would be felt all throughout the land. In
chapter one and verse sixteen of his prophesy, Joel questioned the
people concerning their “meat”, their “joy” and
their “gladness” where we read:
joy and gladness from
the house of our God?
The
verse begins, “Is not the meat cut off before our eyes,...”
Joel began with the words, “Is not the meat” which
refers to “the food, cereal, prey, meal and dinner” “cut
off” or “eliminated, killed, chewed, destroyed, taken away
and permitted to perish” “before our eyes” which
literally means “within our sight” and metaphorically means “a
fountain – as the eye of the landscape”. Joel's idea is that
affliction, outward appearance and displeasure of God is within the
sight of all the people as their food supply has been destroyed.
The
verse continues, “...yes, joy and gladness from
the house of our God?” Joel added, “yes joy” or
“mirth, gladness, gaiety and pleasure” “and gladness”
which means “rejoicing exceedingly” “from the house”
or “dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode” “of our God”
which refers to “rulers, judges and specifically of the supreme
God”. Not only was the “food supply” eliminated from the
people, but also “gaiety” and “rejoicing” were gone from them
as well
When we
consider these words of Joel, we see the result of “the day of
the LORD” coming upon the people of Judah. Food was “cut
off”. “Joy” was gone, and “gladness” was
not to be found. This is the result of a people who have abandoned
the ways of God. As we consider our relationship with God Almighty
through Jesus Christ, perhaps we should examine ourselves and
determine if we have forsaken the LORD's ways in any manner. If we
have, let us repent before we know the judgment that comes upon those
who abandon Him.
Next
time Joel shares about the “seed, garners, barns and
corn”, 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.
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