The
concluding message, preached by Joshua, is a call for the people to
exalt the Lord. They make a definite and public commitment to the Lord.
The Christ-centredness of real commitment to the Lord is summed up in
the words of John the Baptist: “He must become greater; I must become
less” (John 3:30). We must confess Christ and honour Him – “The One who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31). We
must listen to what He says to us – “The One whom God has sent speaks
the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34).
It will not be easy to live a life of true commitment to Christ.
Nevertheless, we have God’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He
will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).
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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