Joel may be one of the older books of prophecy in the Bible, but no one really knows
because there are no known historical references in the book. This plague may have
reminded the Jews of God’s locust plague on the Egyptians recorded in Exodus. Many
people wonder “does God cause natural disasters?’. The answer is “yes” and “no”.
God caused natural disasters on the Egyptians and the book of Revelation talks about
“natural disasters” ordered by God. However, in Genesis 3: 17-19, God tells Adam and
Eve the ground is cursed because of them, and in Romans 8:20-25, Paul talks about all
creation being in bondage to corruption. This is all done to help us realize we are not
self-sufficient; there is much in life we cannot control, and we need God’s help to find
meaning to life. But the book does give hope.
Outline:
1A. The problem and the call to repentance. 1:1-2:17.
2A. The resolution and the blessings. 2:18-3:21
Key verses: Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants – men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth – blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 2:28-32NLT.
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