In
the history of Israel, we read a great deal about the history of human
sin. First and foremost, however, it is the story of God's grace and
mercy. Israel's sin is there in the forefront: "We are slaves today ...
Because of our sins ... We are in great distress" (Nehemiah 9:36-37).
Even more significant is the God of grace and mercy: "But in Your great
mercy You did not put an end to them or abandon them, for You are a
gracious and a merciful God" (Nehemiah 9:31). The God of grace and mercy
is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). He reigns in
grace and mercy. This is not to suggest that there is no judgment.
There will be judgment. People from all walks of life come under the
divine judgment (Revelation 19:18). There is, however, a way of
escaping judgment. It is the way of coming to the Saviour: "Come,
gather together for the great supper of God" (Revelation 19:17). When
the redeemed of the Lord are gathered together for the great supper of
God, it will be perfectly clear that "His Name alone is exalted: His
splendour is above the earth and the heavens" (Psalm 148:13).
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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