The
false prophets say, “Peace, peace ... when there is no peace” - “They
dress the wound of God’s people as though it were not serious” (Jeremiah 6:14).
The true prophet of God comes with a very different message. He says,
“Do not say, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord,
the temple of the Lord!’” (Jeremiah 7:4).
A faithful exercise of prophetic ministry is very demanding.
Nevertheless, the Lord gives His servants the strength to say, with
conviction and confidence, “I can do everything through Him who gives me
strength” (Philippians 4:13).
As this ministry is faithfully exercised, there is a deep satisfaction
in the soul and an increased confidence in God: “Wisdom is sweet to
your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your
hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24:14).
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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