In Joel 2, the prophet called for Judah to repent to avoided God’s judgment. As Joel wrote, “For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it” (2:11).
Consider this call to repent: “‘Now, therefore,’ says the LORD, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him — a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?” (Joel 2:12-14).
Lessons we learn from Joel:
- Our repentance must be complete and without reservation (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10).
- Mere outward expressions of sorrow are not sufficient, “rend your heart and not your garments” (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:9). It is not a show to others, it arises from genuine sorrow for the sins we have committed against God.
- Repentance is what impacts God’s actions toward us. “Who knows if He will turn and relent.” Of course, as His children today, our emphasis is spiritual. Our repentance from sin ALWAYS brings forgiveness, though we might bear long with the physical consequences of our misdeeds (cf. 1 John 2:9).
