Message from Scripture: 9/3/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Joel 2:12-13; “Even now—this is the LORD’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the LORD your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.”

 

The concept of the day of the Lord is a prominent theme in the book of Joel. It has to do with God’s coming judgment on sin, preceded by a national disaster created by a plague of locust. What should the people’s attitude be when confronted with sin? Ignore it? Act as if it doesn’t exist? Or plead with God for forgiveness? Without God’s forgiveness, judgment is assured. However, God desires something better.

 

Joel reminds the people that, if their remorse is more than just an outward expression, but an inward change of heart, God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in His covenant love for them, and will relent from the disaster sin brings. His love and mercy can turn a repentant heart from destruction to salvation.

 

Many today want to act as if sin is nothing to God, but the fact Christ died on the cross for our sins tells us otherwise (1 Pet. 1:17-21). An humble and contrite heart, that turns back in submission to God, can find forgiveness through Christ’s cleansing blood and a relationship that blesses us for eternity. Like the people of Joel’s day, it’s our choice as to what we receive, either condemnation or compassion. Paul tells us to stop being deceived, because God is not mocked. What we sow is what we will receive, and it is far better to sow to the Spirit for eternal life, than the flesh for destruction (Gal. 6:7-8).

 

Today, let’s go serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in humility of heart before God, knowing the fruit it bears. Let’s show a world arrogant in sin what such a life can bring on the day of judgment. God bless.

 

Robert