“No
sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves
to the Baals” (Judges 8:33). “John was a lamp that burned and gave
light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light” (John 5:35) – “For a
time”, but note their response to Jesus -”I have come in My Father’s
name, and you do not accept Me” (John 5:43). “The Lord detests those
whose hearts are perverse, but He delights in those whose ways are
blameless” (Proverbs 11:20). How important it is not to settle for a
superficial religion, which can be easily overthrown when Satan comes in
with an unbelieving alternative which does not honour the Lord Jesus
Christ. True faith honours Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
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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