During the time of the Old Testament kings, there was much “turning away from following the Lord” (2 Chronicles 25:27).
In such times as these, we need to be encouraged to go on with the
Lord: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be
strong. Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians16:13-14).
The warnings from previous generations, together with the call to
follow the Lord, are written for people of every generation: “Let this
be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may
praise the Lord” (Psalm 102:18).
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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