Independence Day
07.03.24
Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He relents Him of the evil (Joel 2:12, 13).
The book of Joel was written to Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel in about 800 BC. This was centuries before the nation fell into captivity to Babylon, but it was facing great problems. There was a drought in the land and an infestation of locusts. God had gotten Judah’s attention, and He was able, through Joel, to use these things as object lessons. Greater troubles would come if the nation did not repent and turn back to the LORD. If they would repent, God would relent of the judgments He promised to bring.
Let us consider a simple outline of Joel’s message to Judah. First, there is the hurt. The land was being overrun by locusts. Joel asks a rhetorical question: Has this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers (1:2)? The answer was ‘No.’ The plague was the experience of God’s judgment upon them. It brought economic devastation to man and beast alike.
Second is the heart. Their situation seemed hopeless. What was needed was a change of heart. Joel called the nation to repentance. Here again is our opening text: Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He relents of the evil (2:12, 13).
Third is the how. Joel called for a time of fasting and a national solemn assembly. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, and call a solemn assembly (2:15). This was a national call. It involved all people: old and young, people and priest. It mandated humility and seeking the face of the LORD.
Fourth is the hope (2:18-27). God promised that if the nation would repent, He would hear. He would have pity. He would bring back joy. God promised that He would restore that which was lost. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God that has dealt wondrously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else; and my people shall never be ashamed (26, 27).
Many people wish to apply these verses to the United States of America, but we have to remember that America is not Israel. The exact promises to Israel do not pertain to the US, Canada, England, Brazil or any other nation. Yet, the principles of obedience and blessing, of disobedience and judgment, of repentance and renewal apply to all peoples in all times.
Do you think perhaps that our world is in need of revival? Would it not be wonderful if there were a spirit of brokenness and repentance from our national leaders? Would it not be good if preachers had a spirit of boldness to hold forth the truth of God’s Word in the midst of an increasingly secular and twisted culture? As our day of independence approaches, let us bow before the God of heaven, ask His forgiveness, and seek His promised blessings.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.