Joel: The Day of the Lord

Little is known about the prophet Joel, but his message is unforgettable. The day of the LORD is coming, and all the inhabitants of the earth should tremble. Joel writes to a rebellious Judah about God's coming judgment. He uses the imagery of an invading army of locusts to describe the coming judgment of God's people -called -the day of the LORD--. The land will be devoured, and the people will be left with nothing. But it does not need to end that way. Joel also prophesies hope for those who repent. Indeed, -everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved- -2-32-. Those who return to the LORD are promised a secure hope for the future -2-18-3-21-. The greatest hope is the spiritual renewal promised in 2-28-32. The apostle picks up these words and shows how the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost fulfills Joel's prophecy and is a sign preceding the great and final Day of the LORD -Acts 2-17-21-. Those who wish to escape the coming judgment, and participate in the reward of God's eternal blessing, are called to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ -Acts 2-37-41-. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved -Acts 4-11-.