Joel

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Joel was written by, you guessed it! Joel (1:1). It's difficult to pinpoint when this book was actually written because there is no solid evidence in the text. There are two assumptions- after the Jews returned from Exile in Babylon (538 BC) and a much earlier date, such as when Joash of Judah was a child. Because there is no mention of a king and speaks about elders as the leaders (1:2)- both of these are consistent with the time period of Joash's childhood.
The original audience was Judah (2:1, 3:1) so it would have been the later generations of Judah. It's yet another call of repentance, prophesying of destruction and a revelation and reminder of God's promises. I also see it as very applicable to today's time as well. (2:25-32)

The purpose of Joel was to show the people what was to come because of their sin and lack of repentance. He was commanding them to mourn, weep, despair, and be sorrowful in recognition of their sin so that God might relent and have mercy on them. He prophesied a “plague” that was coming because of the idleness and sin of the nation. This also served as a forwarning to those coming after this time period. Be watchful of your lives, how you're living and where you're neglecting God for He comes with wrathful venegeance on all those who do not turn and repent.

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?
   
   
   He is patient and always waiting for us to turn back to Him in repetance, no matter what we've done (2:12-13), and He is eager to relent and not punish us if we cry out for mercy and confess our sins to Him (2:13b). From that same verse we also see that what He desires most is a joyful and repentant heart. He cares about His people and seeks justice for those who oppress (3:1-8). But all in all He's faithful and redemptive (3:20-21).

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?
   
   
   He offers a warning and the option to choose while they still can. “Turn to me while there is time. Give me your hearts (2:12).
   He has pity on them (2:19) and He says that He will give them back what they lost, they will never be disgraced, He will pour out His spirit on everyone and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (2:25-32). We see an act of redemption, an act of empowerment and that it is for all people, not just a select few. Salvation is big.

4. Personal Application

The personal application in Joel is recognizing the power and offering of repentance. Knowing that it is what God longs for from us- a humble heart recognizing it's faults and failures but coming to receive grace and restoration. So beautiful. I've seen and felt the freedom of heartfelt confession and repentance and I've experienced the abounding love He pours out on me in those moments. It is my prayer that I would never hesitate to approach His throne with the greatest humility knowing that even in my sin He's eagerly waiting for me, with eyes and arms of compassion, to come running to Him to repent!

Point of Passion: Family.

This might be a far stretch, but when I see that Joel called ALL of the people- the elders, the children, even the babies to pray for their restoration and that the Lord took pity on his people (2:16 and 18) it just makes me think of the hope that there is for all of our family members that don't know Jesus and or maybe do but aren't living according to His will. And how the prayers of everyone, even the babies and children can change things. The simple prayers of faith through, like those of a child, change things. Throughout all of the prophets we see a few faithful people praying out for the salvation and repentance of the masses and we see God respond to their prayers. For me, seeing that He answers prayers and responds to heartfelt cries both for themselves and on behalf of others gives me hope for those who do not know Him or who have strayed. Instilling prayer as a foundational piece in our families brings greater revival- “a family that prays together stays together” but they can also impact the greater world and leave a bigger mark than they could possibly know. Committing to praying for a people group could save masses and change the heart of God's judgment towards a rebellious people.