The subject of Joel’s prophecy is the day of the Lord. Israel was living in days of prosperity but she became complacent and indifferent in the worship of the Lord. The Lord sent judgments upon her (1:4-12). Yet there was hope if only Israel would turn to the Lord (2:12,13). If Israel would repent certain things would happen. Indeed this is the thrust of Joel’s message. If Israel would repent the Lord would reverse the effects of judgment. He would pour forth the Holy Spirit and he would deal with Israel’s enemies.

In these three matters do we not see something of Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour? Consider that by his death he has reversed the effects of the fall. Consider that on the Day of Pentecost he sent forth the Holy Spirit. Consider also that by his life he has dealt with the enemies of truth.

First, consider that when people repent the Lord reverses the effects of judgment. The Lord had sent a plague of locusts which devastated the land (1:4). There was also crop failure throughout the land (1:10,16-20). As well as these things the Lord was preparing a northern nation to terrorise Israel (1:6; 2:2-11). These horrific events were all part of the great and very terrible day of the Lord (2:11).

But here is the good news. If Israel repented and turned to the Lord he would reverse the effects of judgment. The plague of locusts would be removed (2:25). The land would be restored and there would be plenty to eat (2:26).

Today, if people repent and turn to God the effects of judgment are reversed. By nature we are all under a curse. We are under the condemnation of God because of our fallen nature. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But praise be to God Jesus has come and has died thereby taking the full condemnation of sin upon himself. Through Jesus the effects of the curse are reversed. We are now at peace with God. There is no condemnation upon those who repent and believe upon Jesus. We see then how the prophet Joel speaks to us today. He points us to Jesus - the one who has reversed the effects of the fall.

When people repent the Lord sends the Holy Spirit (2:28-29). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is evidence of God’s love for his people. He blesses them in abundance with the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit they remain very ordinary but by the Spirit they are quickened, indwelt and empowered.

On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Christian church. This outpouring was proof that Jesus Christ had risen and had ascended to the right hand of God. From there he reigns and from there he sent the Holy Spirit. We see then how Joel again points us to Jesus for it was Jesus himself who poured forth the Holy Spirit.

When people repent the Lord deals with their enemies. Israel was under much pressure from the nations. If she would turn to the Lord he would gather the nations and enter into judgment (3:2).

The Lord would deal severely with unbelieving nations. The time of judgment was right being compared to a harvest (3:12). The Lord would judge the nations on account of what they did to his people. They scattered Israel among the nations, divided the land (3:2) and carried away the temple’s prized possessions (3:5). Swiftly and speedily the Lord would deal with the nations.

Presently Jesus still deals with the nations but from a different perspective. Whereas Joel and the other prophets spoke of judgment the Lord Jesus Christ speaks of grace and mercy. Jesus has come and died for sinners and he pardons all repentant sinners. It is the age of the gospel - the age of the Good News that people can be cleansed from their sins. Jesus offers salvation to the nations.

We who follow after Jesus must not seek vengeance on those who do us harm. Rather we take to heart the teachings of Jesus that we are to love our enemies. We are to do good to those who hate us and to bless those who curse us. We are to pray for those who spitefully use us (Luke 6:27,28).

The prophecy of Joel points us to Jesus Christ. If we repent and turn to God through Jesus Christ we are very blessed. In Christ the effects of the fall are reversed. Instead of the curse there is now no condemnation. In Christ we have the Holy Spirit. In Christ we are able to cope with those who harm us. May Joel speak to us today. If we turn to God through Christ God reverses the effects of the fall and gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Turn to him to experience a turn-around.