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Joel-3

gathers his people: a devotional study on joel chapter 3​

introduction​

joel chapter 3 is a powerful call to repentance and restoration for judea and the nations. This passage speaks of judgment alongside the promise of God's restorative mercy and grace. Let's explore the profound truths and spiritual insights embedded in this chapter.

section 1: judgment for the nations (joel 3:1-17)​

devotional thought: joel's prophetic vision speaks of a great judgment day for the nations. The earth shall tremble, and the sun and moon shall darken. The prophet describes a time when the nations shall pay for their oppression of judea. Consider this sobering call to introspection. What wrongs have we, as a society or a people, committed against others? Let's repent, let's make it right, let's seek out ways to right what has gone wrong.

reflection question:

  • in what ways have we, as a society or as a people, opposed others, and what steps can we take to make things right?

section 2: restoration for judea (joel 3:18-21)​

devotional thought: joel's prophetic vision ends with a promise of restoration. The famine and barrenness of judea shall end, and the people shall rejoice in abundance. The winter shall turn to spring, and the promised land shall flourish once more. Consider the promise of restoration. What areas of your life are dry and barren? what steps can you take to nurture and grow those areas?

reflection question:

  • in what areas of your life are dry and barren, and what steps can you take to nurture and grow those areas?

section 3: gathering his people (joel 3:12-17)​

devotional thought: joel's prophetic vision ends with god's promise to "gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of jehoshaphat.” this phrase seems conflicting with the promise of restoration for judea, but if we peel back the layers, the conundrum is solved. God will gather his own people, judea, and all nations to face judgment, a realization of the promise in section 1. But afterwards, the promise of restoration shall apply for all! in other words, god shall use the judgment day to chasten, to lead us to repentance, to remorse, to accountability, to new homes, and ultimately, to restoration.

reflection question:

  • in what ways have we, as a people of god, neglected god's call to repentance, as described in section 1, and what steps can we take to strengthen our resolve?

conclusion:​

as we conclude our devotional journey through joel chapter 3, let's stand in awe of god's holiness and his power to judge and redeem all creation. May we honor god's call to repentance, may we strive towards god's path to restoration, and may we face judgment as his chosen people, knowing that after judgement, restoration awaits.