The Book of the Twelve for Lent 2016 - Joel (3)
The Book of the Twelve for Lent 2016 The Lord “Relents” - Joel (3) Lent 8 The order of Joel is important to notice. The fierce locust plague that opens the book afflicts the people of God. Only later, in ch.3 does God turn to nations in judgment and declare a “Day of the Lord” drawing near to them. 1 Peter 4:17 gives us this same order: “ For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ” First, the people of God, then the world. God shows no partiality. His people are “saved” as it were but not exempt from obeying God and being faithful participants in his great drama of redemption. Salvation is not an exemption from faithfulness but rather it very possibility and purpose. Thus the people of God are more responsible (if that’s the right way to put ...