In
Genesis and Matthew, we see Jacob and Joseph looking to the future. It
is to be a future of blessing. For both, death was near. the future,
however, was life. In Jacob’s time, the expectation concerned an earthly
land – “God will be with you and take you back to the land of your
fathers” (Genesis 48:21).
In Christ, our expectation concerns a heavenly land – “the Son of Man
is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will
reward each person according to what they have done” (Matthew 16:27). In Proverbs 3:1-2,
we read, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in
your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you
peace and prosperity.” While earthly prosperity is a gift of God for
which we must be grateful, the greatest gift of God is heavenly – “the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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