E448 Navigating the Bible: Joel

That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now while there is time. Give me your now while there is time. Give me your now while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning." Don't tear your clothing in mourning." Don't tear your clothing in mourning." Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts your grief, but tear your hearts your grief, but tear your hearts instead. instead. instead. Return to the Lord for he is merciful Return to the Lord for he is merciful Return to the Lord for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and and compassionate, slow to get angry and and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. filled with unfailing love. filled with unfailing love. Joel 2 12 and 13. Joel 2 12 and 13. Joel 2 12 and 13. The book of Joel, the second of the The book of Joel, the second of the The book of Joel, the second of the minor prophets, is such a beautiful minor prophets, is such a beautiful minor prophets, is such a beautiful book. It's not long, only three book. It's not long, only three book. It's not long, only three chapters, but it quacks quite It packs chapters, but it quacks quite It packs chapters, but it quacks quite It packs quite a spiritual punch. It tells of a quite a spiritual punch. It tells of a quite a spiritual punch. It tells of a locust swarm. It tells of a call to locust swarm. It tells of a call to locust swarm. It tells of a call to repentance and what it means to rejoice repentance and what it means to rejoice repentance and what it means to rejoice in the Lord. It tells of the promise of in the Lord. It tells of the promise of in the Lord. It tells of the promise of the spirit of the Lord. It tells of the spirit of the Lord. It tells of the spirit of the Lord. It tells of God's judgment against enemy nations.

God's judgment against enemy nations. God's judgment against enemy nations. And it tells of blessings for God's And it tells of blessings for God's And it tells of blessings for God's people. people. people. Joel is surely a book that even though Joel is surely a book that even though Joel is surely a book that even though it might not be the most taught through, it might not be the most taught through, it might not be the most taught through, it has a lot of recognizable truths. it has a lot of recognizable truths. it has a lot of recognizable truths. To help us navigate the book of Joel is To help us navigate the book of Joel is To help us navigate the book of Joel is Dr. David Baker. David is Dr. David Baker. David is Dr. David Baker. David is professor of Old Testament at Ashland professor of Old Testament at Ashland professor of Old Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary and author of a Theological Seminary and author of a Theological Seminary and author of a number of commentaries including one on number of commentaries including one on number of commentaries including one on Joel. My name is Jason Wheelen and this Joel. My name is Jason Wheelen and this Joel. My name is Jason Wheelen and this is doable disciplehip. Navigating the is doable disciplehip. Navigating the is doable disciplehip. Navigating the Bible Joel. Bible Joel. Bible Joel. [Music] [Music] [Music] All right. I am joined by Dr. David All right. I am joined by Dr. David All right. I am joined by Dr. David Baker. David, thank you so much for Baker. David, thank you so much for Baker. David, thank you so much for joining us as we as we venture as as I joining us as we as we venture as as I joining us as we as we venture as as I made I mentioned in the intro, what made I mentioned in the intro, what made I mentioned in the intro, what we're doing is is we're making a minor we're doing is is we're making a minor we're doing is is we're making a minor pivot. We've been going through these pivot. We've been going through these pivot. We've been going through these books that are called the major books that are called the major books that are called the major prophets. So, it just kind of means that prophets. So, it just kind of means that prophets. So, it just kind of means that they're longer books. And now we're they're longer books. And now we're they're longer books. And now we're entering into um the minor prophets as entering into um the minor prophets as entering into um the minor prophets as some people call them the 12. And we're some people call them the 12. And we're some people call them the 12. And we're getting that started now with the book getting that started now with the book getting that started now with the book of Joel. So, I'm really excited to get of Joel. So, I'm really excited to get of Joel. So, I'm really excited to get to talk with you about it today.

to talk with you about it today. to talk with you about it today. >> Good to be here. >> Good to be here. >> Good to be here. >> As we uh as we dive in, we always want >> As we uh as we dive in, we always want >> As we uh as we dive in, we always want to start and and this one again, these to start and and this one again, these to start and and this one again, these books are shorter. So, um it is a little books are shorter. So, um it is a little books are shorter. So, um it is a little bit different. I think the shortest book bit different. I think the shortest book bit different. I think the shortest book up till now that we've spent time in is up till now that we've spent time in is up till now that we've spent time in is is Ruth probably. So this is is now is Ruth probably. So this is is now is Ruth probably. So this is is now going to enter into a period of much going to enter into a period of much going to enter into a period of much shorter books. And so Joel, just a just shorter books. And so Joel, just a just shorter books. And so Joel, just a just a few chapters. Um but tell us what we a few chapters. Um but tell us what we a few chapters. Um but tell us what we need to know about the background of need to know about the background of need to know about the background of this book. Do we know who wrote the this book. Do we know who wrote the this book. Do we know who wrote the book? It's titled Joel. So so we're book? It's titled Joel. So so we're book? It's titled Joel. So so we're hoping we that gives us some sort of hoping we that gives us some sort of hoping we that gives us some sort of clue. But do we know who wrote the book clue. But do we know who wrote the book clue. But do we know who wrote the book of Joel? And do we know maybe when it of Joel? And do we know maybe when it of Joel? And do we know maybe when it was written? And how does knowing these was written? And how does knowing these was written? And how does knowing these things or maybe not knowing these things things or maybe not knowing these things things or maybe not knowing these things impact how we approach the book? impact how we approach the book? impact how we approach the book? >> We really know very little about the >> We really know very little about the >> We really know very little about the author about apart from his name as you author about apart from his name as you author about apart from his name as you say it's Joel. Uh which in Hebrew yo is say it's Joel. Uh which in Hebrew yo is say it's Joel. Uh which in Hebrew yo is an abbreviation for Yahweh the name of an abbreviation for Yahweh the name of an abbreviation for Yahweh the name of Israel's God. Uh so it's abbreviated Yo.

Israel's God. Uh so it's abbreviated Yo. Israel's God. Uh so it's abbreviated Yo. And then ale is the word for God. So And then ale is the word for God. So And then ale is the word for God. So it's an affirmation of faith. Yahweh is it's an affirmation of faith. Yahweh is it's an affirmation of faith. Yahweh is God. So it seems that his parents were God. So it seems that his parents were God. So it seems that his parents were likely strong Yahweh worshippers to name likely strong Yahweh worshippers to name likely strong Yahweh worshippers to name their kid after him. their kid after him. their kid after him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we also know his father's name is >> And we also know his father's name is >> And we also know his father's name is Puuel. Um and you notice the end of his Puuel. Um and you notice the end of his Puuel. Um and you notice the end of his name Puuel is the same word God that was name Puuel is the same word God that was name Puuel is the same word God that was in Joel. in Joel. in Joel. >> Um so his parents were making a >> Um so his parents were making a >> Um so his parents were making a statement about God as well. We're not statement about God as well. We're not statement about God as well. We're not sure exactly what the first part of his sure exactly what the first part of his sure exactly what the first part of his name means. possibly something like a name means. possibly something like a name means. possibly something like a youth belonging to God. But that's all youth belonging to God. But that's all youth belonging to God. But that's all we know about him, his name and his we know about him, his name and his we know about him, his name and his father's name. Uh we're not sure the father's name. Uh we're not sure the father's name. Uh we're not sure the date of the book because you'll see when date of the book because you'll see when date of the book because you'll see when you look at other prophets, some of them you look at other prophets, some of them you look at other prophets, some of them say that they Amos, for example, says it say that they Amos, for example, says it say that they Amos, for example, says it took part or took place in the time of took part or took place in the time of took part or took place in the time of Uzziah and Jeroboam. So we have some Uzziah and Jeroboam. So we have some Uzziah and Jeroboam. So we have some kings names, but there's no kings in kings names, but there's no kings in kings names, but there's no kings in this one. Um, one clue for dating might this one. Um, one clue for dating might this one. Um, one clue for dating might be chapter 2:1 17 where it says, be chapter 2:1 17 where it says, be chapter 2:1 17 where it says, "Between the vestibule and the altar, "Between the vestibule and the altar, "Between the vestibule and the altar, let the priests, the ministers of the let the priests, the ministers of the let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep." So, it's talking about the Lord weep." So, it's talking about the Lord weep." So, it's talking about the the priests. Where do they hang out? And the priests. Where do they hang out? And the priests. Where do they hang out? And where is the altar? It's in the temple.

where is the altar? It's in the temple. where is the altar? It's in the temple. >> Now, that's probably what he's referring >> Now, that's probably what he's referring >> Now, that's probably what he's referring to. So, it sounds like it still exists. to. So, it sounds like it still exists. to. So, it sounds like it still exists. And of course we know probably from And of course we know probably from And of course we know probably from other books that you've gone over is other books that you've gone over is other books that you've gone over is that Solomon built the temple um and it that Solomon built the temple um and it that Solomon built the temple um and it was destroyed in 586 BC by the was destroyed in 586 BC by the was destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians and then there was a period Babylonians and then there was a period Babylonians and then there was a period when there was no temple and then it was when there was no temple and then it was when there was no temple and then it was rebuilt under the Persians about 515 BC. rebuilt under the Persians about 515 BC. rebuilt under the Persians about 515 BC. >> So there was a temple but that doesn't >> So there was a temple but that doesn't >> So there was a temple but that doesn't help us too much. We're not sure if it's help us too much. We're not sure if it's help us too much. We're not sure if it's the first one under Solomon or the the first one under Solomon or the the first one under Solomon or the second one. um under the Persians. second one. um under the Persians. second one. um under the Persians. >> Now, some see the book possibly coming >> Now, some see the book possibly coming >> Now, some see the book possibly coming from the 8th century. You mentioned the from the 8th century. You mentioned the from the 8th century. You mentioned the minor prophets Hosea and Amos on our minor prophets Hosea and Amos on our minor prophets Hosea and Amos on our each on on each side of Joel. each on on each side of Joel. each on on each side of Joel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And they're both in the 8th century, 750 >> And they're both in the 8th century, 750 >> And they're both in the 8th century, 750 or so. or so. or so. >> Um but that would work if the minor >> Um but that would work if the minor >> Um but that would work if the minor prophets were in chronological order, prophets were in chronological order, prophets were in chronological order, but they're not. We can't say that but they're not. We can't say that but they're not. We can't say that because it's associated with Hosea and because it's associated with Hosea and because it's associated with Hosea and Amos that it's at the same time.

Amos that it's at the same time. Amos that it's at the same time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, doesn't necessarily help. >> So, doesn't necessarily help. >> So, doesn't necessarily help. >> Now, whenever we're reading a book, >> Now, whenever we're reading a book, >> Now, whenever we're reading a book, especially something like the prophets, especially something like the prophets, especially something like the prophets, it's like in the New Testament, when it's like in the New Testament, when it's like in the New Testament, when you're reading the epistles, you want to you're reading the epistles, you want to you're reading the epistles, you want to know as much as you can about know as much as you can about know as much as you can about >> who was receiving these. Yeah. >> who was receiving these. Yeah. >> who was receiving these. Yeah. >> What were the problems that were being >> What were the problems that were being >> What were the problems that were being addressed? It gives us insight. Um, so addressed? It gives us insight. Um, so addressed? It gives us insight. Um, so we like to find out what the historical we like to find out what the historical we like to find out what the historical ties are, but um, here the main issue ties are, but um, here the main issue ties are, but um, here the main issue that we'll see in a minute is a that we'll see in a minute is a that we'll see in a minute is a devastating plague of locusts devastating plague of locusts devastating plague of locusts >> coming in like a conquering army. And >> coming in like a conquering army. And >> coming in like a conquering army. And unfortunately for Israel and for us for unfortunately for Israel and for us for unfortunately for Israel and for us for dating, that's not rare. It happens dating, that's not rare. It happens dating, that's not rare. It happens fairly regularly. Mhm. fairly regularly. Mhm. fairly regularly. Mhm. >> They frequently suffered from both >> They frequently suffered from both >> They frequently suffered from both locust swarms coming in and also locust swarms coming in and also locust swarms coming in and also advancing armies. So, we don't have an advancing armies. So, we don't have an advancing armies. So, we don't have an exact time frame because it could have exact time frame because it could have exact time frame because it could have been at any of these events. been at any of these events. been at any of these events. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, we're really left with the message >> So, we're really left with the message >> So, we're really left with the message of the book itself. Um that is if we of the book itself. Um that is if we of the book itself. Um that is if we can't look at the historical context too can't look at the historical context too can't look at the historical context too much, what do we learn from the book?

much, what do we learn from the book? much, what do we learn from the book? Um, and if you like in in one sentence, Um, and if you like in in one sentence, Um, and if you like in in one sentence, the message of the book could be the message of the book could be the message of the book could be something like even when facing the something like even when facing the something like even when facing the darkest night, no matter what darkest night, no matter what darkest night, no matter what circumstances brought that darkness to circumstances brought that darkness to circumstances brought that darkness to us, God is still God and can be trusted us, God is still God and can be trusted us, God is still God and can be trusted to do right. to do right. to do right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So that seems to be what it's saying. >> So that seems to be what it's saying. >> So that seems to be what it's saying. Um, Um, Um, >> so it's applying to a particular event, >> so it's applying to a particular event, >> so it's applying to a particular event, but that event could be repeated. And but that event could be repeated. And but that event could be repeated. And really in some ways we could say that really in some ways we could say that really in some ways we could say that event could be any of our events. Um event could be any of our events. Um event could be any of our events. Um >> that is we don't know locust. We'll talk >> that is we don't know locust. We'll talk >> that is we don't know locust. We'll talk about this later but we don't about this later but we don't about this later but we don't necessarily experience locust but we get necessarily experience locust but we get necessarily experience locust but we get dark knights ourselves. So dark knights ourselves. So dark knights ourselves. So >> no I think >> no I think >> no I think >> anyway that's a bit of background. >> anyway that's a bit of background. >> anyway that's a bit of background. >> No I I love it and you hit the second >> No I I love it and you hit the second >> No I I love it and you hit the second question about describing the book in question about describing the book in question about describing the book in one sentence too. It's almost like you one sentence too. It's almost like you one sentence too. It's almost like you knew I was going to ask that. It's knew I was going to ask that. It's knew I was going to ask that. It's amazing. amazing. amazing. >> I don't know. It's divine guidance. >> I don't know. It's divine guidance. >> I don't know. It's divine guidance. No, that's that's great. And I think No, that's that's great. And I think No, that's that's great. And I think that's very true. I I love that sentence that's very true. I I love that sentence that's very true. I I love that sentence that you picked up on for the book is that you picked up on for the book is that you picked up on for the book is even in the darkest night is you can even in the darkest night is you can even in the darkest night is you can find the hope in the Lord as you can as find the hope in the Lord as you can as find the hope in the Lord as you can as you can follow his his guidance his his you can follow his his guidance his his you can follow his his guidance his his path. I wanted to ask uh as we're before path. I wanted to ask uh as we're before path. I wanted to ask uh as we're before we transition into more fully talking we transition into more fully talking we transition into more fully talking about the book itself and I wanted to about the book itself and I wanted to about the book itself and I wanted to talk about the book in context with the talk about the book in context with the talk about the book in context with the rest of the minor prophets. How does rest of the minor prophets. How does rest of the minor prophets. How does Joel fit in or relate to the 12? And can Joel fit in or relate to the 12? And can Joel fit in or relate to the 12? And can you since this is our first go into this you since this is our first go into this you since this is our first go into this section, would you mind giving us kind section, would you mind giving us kind section, would you mind giving us kind of a foray into like what are the 12,

of a foray into like what are the 12, of a foray into like what are the 12, how are they read, you know, just that how are they read, you know, just that how are they read, you know, just that kind of piece? kind of piece? kind of piece? >> Yeah, that >> Yeah, that >> Yeah, that um um um we probably know the names of them from we probably know the names of them from we probably know the names of them from our learning the Bible books. um Hosea, our learning the Bible books. um Hosea, our learning the Bible books. um Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Naam, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Naam, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Naam, Habacook, Zephaniah, Hegi, Zachchariah, Habacook, Zephaniah, Hegi, Zachchariah, Habacook, Zephaniah, Hegi, Zachchariah, and Malachi. So again, these are, as you and Malachi. So again, these are, as you and Malachi. So again, these are, as you mentioned, the shorter ones, some of mentioned, the shorter ones, some of mentioned, the shorter ones, some of them like Oadiah is only 21 verses, the them like Oadiah is only 21 verses, the them like Oadiah is only 21 verses, the shortest book in the Old Testament. shortest book in the Old Testament. shortest book in the Old Testament. >> And one of the reasons why they're >> And one of the reasons why they're >> And one of the reasons why they're probably called the 12 in the Hebrew probably called the 12 in the Hebrew probably called the 12 in the Hebrew cannon, the Hebrew Bible, cannon, the Hebrew Bible, cannon, the Hebrew Bible, >> sometimes they just count them as one. >> sometimes they just count them as one. >> sometimes they just count them as one. And one of the reasons for doing this is And one of the reasons for doing this is And one of the reasons for doing this is because for example, you got 66 chapters because for example, you got 66 chapters because for example, you got 66 chapters in Isaiah and that would fit on one in Isaiah and that would fit on one in Isaiah and that would fit on one scroll. scroll. scroll. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um these are so short that you don't >> Um these are so short that you don't >> Um these are so short that you don't want a scroll for Joel or for Oadia of want a scroll for Joel or for Oadia of want a scroll for Joel or for Oadia of 21 verses. That would not even be a page 21 verses. That would not even be a page 21 verses. That would not even be a page of a scroll. So they probably well one of a scroll. So they probably well one of a scroll. So they probably well one of the reasons suggested for bringing of the reasons suggested for bringing of the reasons suggested for bringing them together is so they could put all them together is so they could put all them together is so they could put all 12 on one scroll. So they don't 12 on one scroll. So they don't 12 on one scroll. So they don't necessarily all have one theme. We also necessarily all have one theme. We also necessarily all have one theme. We also mentioned that they don't have mentioned that they don't have mentioned that they don't have chronological order in setting. We're chronological order in setting. We're chronological order in setting. We're not sure the exact order. There's debate not sure the exact order. There's debate not sure the exact order. There's debate on this.

on this. on this. >> Uh there are some common themes through >> Uh there are some common themes through >> Uh there are some common themes through some of the books. We talk in some of the books. We talk in some of the books. We talk in uh well in talking of Joel we see the uh well in talking of Joel we see the uh well in talking of Joel we see the day of the Lord is important. There a day of the Lord is important. There a day of the Lord is important. There a couple of other minor prophets where couple of other minor prophets where couple of other minor prophets where that's an important topic and that'll that's an important topic and that'll that's an important topic and that'll come up later. M come up later. M come up later. M >> um >> um >> um so there there are ties between the so there there are ties between the so there there are ties between the books but again they're if you like in books but again they're if you like in books but again they're if you like in some ways it's kind of a a catchall yeah some ways it's kind of a a catchall yeah some ways it's kind of a a catchall yeah section. section. section. >> It was more of a for ease of read we're >> It was more of a for ease of read we're >> It was more of a for ease of read we're going to put all these together and as going to put all these together and as going to put all these together and as you said like especially with Joel since you said like especially with Joel since you said like especially with Joel since we don't know exactly when it was we don't know exactly when it was we don't know exactly when it was written it's almost impossible to put written it's almost impossible to put written it's almost impossible to put them chronologically because we didn't them chronologically because we didn't them chronologically because we didn't really know. really know. really know. >> Yeah. Um okay so so let's get into what >> Yeah. Um okay so so let's get into what >> Yeah. Um okay so so let's get into what the trajectory of the book is. Help us the trajectory of the book is. Help us the trajectory of the book is. Help us to understand from you know again it's to understand from you know again it's to understand from you know again it's not going through very much but but from not going through very much but but from not going through very much but but from the beginning through the end what is the beginning through the end what is the beginning through the end what is Joel taking us through.

Joel taking us through. Joel taking us through. Okay. Well the first verse we already Okay. Well the first verse we already Okay. Well the first verse we already looked at it gives his name and his looked at it gives his name and his looked at it gives his name and his father's name. So it introduces the father's name. So it introduces the father's name. So it introduces the prophet and there then there's this prophet and there then there's this prophet and there then there's this description of a locust swarm um which description of a locust swarm um which description of a locust swarm um which for us is just theoretical. We've for us is just theoretical. We've for us is just theoretical. We've probably never been in one but it really probably never been in one but it really probably never been in one but it really touches a lot of aspects of Israel's touches a lot of aspects of Israel's touches a lot of aspects of Israel's life because you got to remember that life because you got to remember that life because you got to remember that most people in Israel in this period most people in Israel in this period most people in Israel in this period were agriculturalists. Mhm. were agriculturalists. Mhm. were agriculturalists. Mhm. >> There were some living in the cities. Um >> There were some living in the cities. Um >> There were some living in the cities. Um and even cities then are and even cities then are and even cities then are well really towns in relationship to us. well really towns in relationship to us. well really towns in relationship to us. Um most of them had something to do with Um most of them had something to do with Um most of them had something to do with the land for and agriculture for their the land for and agriculture for their the land for and agriculture for their very existence. And one of the problems very existence. And one of the problems very existence. And one of the problems with locusts is that they consume every with locusts is that they consume every with locusts is that they consume every green thing in their path. green thing in their path. green thing in their path. Most of us living in the west have no Most of us living in the west have no Most of us living in the west have no concept of the horror of this kind of concept of the horror of this kind of concept of the horror of this kind of event. uh we might have read about it. event. uh we might have read about it. event. uh we might have read about it. Um in fact, one place that I keep when Um in fact, one place that I keep when Um in fact, one place that I keep when I'm teaching this, I'm reminded of when I'm teaching this, I'm reminded of when I'm teaching this, I'm reminded of when I was younger, uh I don't know if you I was younger, uh I don't know if you I was younger, uh I don't know if you read the Laura Engles Wilder books, read the Laura Engles Wilder books, read the Laura Engles Wilder books, >> and one of them was on the banks of Plum >> and one of them was on the banks of Plum >> and one of them was on the banks of Plum Creek, and there's a Creek, and there's a Creek, and there's a >> Yeah. My kids read all of those right >> Yeah. My kids read all of those right >> Yeah. My kids read all of those right now with my wife. Mhm.

now with my wife. Mhm. now with my wife. Mhm. >> Yeah. Well, listen for when you get to >> Yeah. Well, listen for when you get to >> Yeah. Well, listen for when you get to On the Banks of Plum Creek. On the Banks of Plum Creek. On the Banks of Plum Creek. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Because uh >> Because uh >> Because uh >> I hadn't thought about it. should have >> I hadn't thought about it. should have >> I hadn't thought about it. should have got the verse here, but let me just read got the verse here, but let me just read got the verse here, but let me just read one verse that sounds a lot like Laura one verse that sounds a lot like Laura one verse that sounds a lot like Laura Engles Wilder. So, thinking about the Engles Wilder. So, thinking about the Engles Wilder. So, thinking about the locust coming for her, it was a locust coming for her, it was a locust coming for her, it was a farmhouse. For Israel, it was their farmhouse. For Israel, it was their farmhouse. For Israel, it was their their houses. their houses. their houses. >> And it talks, it says, "They rush upon >> And it talks, it says, "They rush upon >> And it talks, it says, "They rush upon the city. They run along the wall. They the city. They run along the wall. They the city. They run along the wall. They climb into the houses like thieves. They climb into the houses like thieves. They climb into the houses like thieves. They enter through the windows." M enter through the windows." M enter through the windows." M >> and in her book she talks about them >> and in her book she talks about them >> and in her book she talks about them sitting in their farmhouse and the sitting in their farmhouse and the sitting in their farmhouse and the locust literally climbing through the locust literally climbing through the locust literally climbing through the window walking across the floor up the window walking across the floor up the window walking across the floor up the baby's um high chair across it just they baby's um high chair across it just they baby's um high chair across it just they walk straight ahead eating everything in walk straight ahead eating everything in walk straight ahead eating everything in their path. their path. their path. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I mean we've never seen anything >> And I mean we've never seen anything >> And I mean we've never seen anything like this. like this. like this. >> So that's the first part of the >> So that's the first part of the >> So that's the first part of the description. And then the prophet looks description. And then the prophet looks description. And then the prophet looks uh at those that are affected by this uh at those that are affected by this uh at those that are affected by this plague. And the first one kind of could plague. And the first one kind of could plague. And the first one kind of could possibly be a bit tongue and cheek possibly be a bit tongue and cheek possibly be a bit tongue and cheek because the first group that's singled because the first group that's singled because the first group that's singled out uh being affected by this out uh being affected by this out uh being affected by this devastation is the drunkards because it devastation is the drunkards because it devastation is the drunkards because it says the vines are ruined. There's no says the vines are ruined. There's no says the vines are ruined. There's no more wine. So you drunks can't get drunk more wine. So you drunks can't get drunk more wine. So you drunks can't get drunk anymore. Mhm.

anymore. Mhm. anymore. Mhm. >> Uh then it also says the priests are >> Uh then it also says the priests are >> Uh then it also says the priests are impacted because when you think part of impacted because when you think part of impacted because when you think part of the job of the priests is to bring or to the job of the priests is to bring or to the job of the priests is to bring or to officiate over the offerings which officiate over the offerings which officiate over the offerings which include offerings of grain and olive oil include offerings of grain and olive oil include offerings of grain and olive oil and they also depend on eating part of and they also depend on eating part of and they also depend on eating part of those offerings for their livelihood. those offerings for their livelihood. those offerings for their livelihood. And there's not going to be any more And there's not going to be any more And there's not going to be any more grain. There's not going to be any more grain. There's not going to be any more grain. There's not going to be any more olive oil. olive oil. olive oil. >> Yeah. And so the priests are then called >> Yeah. And so the priests are then called >> Yeah. And so the priests are then called to lament and fast. to lament and fast. to lament and fast. Again, it could be a little bit of a Again, it could be a little bit of a Again, it could be a little bit of a tongue and cheek because if you don't tongue and cheek because if you don't tongue and cheek because if you don't have any food, um you don't really have have any food, um you don't really have have any food, um you don't really have a choice in fasting. Uh but then it also a choice in fasting. Uh but then it also a choice in fasting. Uh but then it also says even the livestock are going to says even the livestock are going to says even the livestock are going to suffer. Um your animals, the the locusts suffer. Um your animals, the the locusts suffer. Um your animals, the the locusts don't directly affect the livestock, but don't directly affect the livestock, but don't directly affect the livestock, but there's not going to be anything left there's not going to be anything left there's not going to be anything left for them to eat. And then we've got a for them to eat. And then we've got a for them to eat. And then we've got a section that compares the locust swarm section that compares the locust swarm section that compares the locust swarm to an attacking army which can't be to an attacking army which can't be to an attacking army which can't be stopped. stopped. stopped. And then uh all of the people are called And then uh all of the people are called And then uh all of the people are called to lament and turn to God, not just the to lament and turn to God, not just the to lament and turn to God, not just the priests. Uh but everybody is called to priests. Uh but everybody is called to priests. Uh but everybody is called to turn and they'll and God will answer and turn and they'll and God will answer and turn and they'll and God will answer and push back this attacking force. And then push back this attacking force. And then push back this attacking force. And then it says he'll provide food again and it says he'll provide food again and it says he'll provide food again and material salvation for everyone.

material salvation for everyone. material salvation for everyone. And then we can see that And then we can see that And then we can see that I said that the locusts were compared to I said that the locusts were compared to I said that the locusts were compared to an army kind of like a metaphor. But we an army kind of like a metaphor. But we an army kind of like a metaphor. But we can see that maybe the metaphorical army can see that maybe the metaphorical army can see that maybe the metaphorical army uh was too literal. It was they were uh was too literal. It was they were uh was too literal. It was they were looking not only at locust but also at looking not only at locust but also at looking not only at locust but also at warriors coming in warriors coming in warriors coming in >> since Israel's been scattered. it talks >> since Israel's been scattered. it talks >> since Israel's been scattered. it talks about later on in the book uh among the about later on in the book uh among the about later on in the book uh among the nations and they really mistreated it nations and they really mistreated it nations and they really mistreated it and they're going to be made to pay for and they're going to be made to pay for and they're going to be made to pay for their mistreatment of God's people and their mistreatment of God's people and their mistreatment of God's people and finally it ends with a blessing for finally it ends with a blessing for finally it ends with a blessing for God's people. Um their enemies are going God's people. Um their enemies are going God's people. Um their enemies are going to be thrown down and they're going to to be thrown down and they're going to to be thrown down and they're going to be lifted up. M be lifted up. M be lifted up. M >> so there's kind of a a summary of where >> so there's kind of a a summary of where >> so there's kind of a a summary of where the book goes over three chapters in the book goes over three chapters in the book goes over three chapters in English, four chapters in Hebrew. English, four chapters in Hebrew. English, four chapters in Hebrew. >> Now my understanding is that there are >> Now my understanding is that there are >> Now my understanding is that there are some people who who hold the first part some people who who hold the first part some people who who hold the first part about the locusts as an illusion or as a about the locusts as an illusion or as a about the locusts as an illusion or as a metaphor and then there's a and then metaphor and then there's a and then metaphor and then there's a and then there's I think a broader school of there's I think a broader school of there's I think a broader school of thought that keeps to it as a no this is thought that keeps to it as a no this is thought that keeps to it as a no this is a literal locust swarm that is going on.

a literal locust swarm that is going on. a literal locust swarm that is going on. Can you uh give Can you uh give Can you uh give or I should say speak a little bit to to or I should say speak a little bit to to or I should say speak a little bit to to both sides of that? both sides of that? both sides of that? >> Well, it's really what's the the base of >> Well, it's really what's the the base of >> Well, it's really what's the the base of the metaphor? That is is the army the the metaphor? That is is the army the the metaphor? That is is the army the reality and the locust the metaphor of reality and the locust the metaphor of reality and the locust the metaphor of those armies or is it the other way those armies or is it the other way those armies or is it the other way around? around? around? >> Uh are the locusts the reality and the >> Uh are the locusts the reality and the >> Uh are the locusts the reality and the armies the metaphorical extension of armies the metaphorical extension of armies the metaphorical extension of that? that? that? >> Yeah. And unfortunately for Israel's >> Yeah. And unfortunately for Israel's >> Yeah. And unfortunately for Israel's perspective, either one of those perspective, either one of those perspective, either one of those >> are devastating. >> are devastating. >> are devastating. >> Yeah. And they happen to Israel because >> Yeah. And they happen to Israel because >> Yeah. And they happen to Israel because well, in your other courses, you well, in your other courses, you well, in your other courses, you probably noticed where Israel sits. probably noticed where Israel sits. probably noticed where Israel sits. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's a corridor >> There's a corridor >> There's a corridor with major roads going between Egypt to with major roads going between Egypt to with major roads going between Egypt to the south and then to the north toward the south and then to the north toward the south and then to the north toward Turkey and over toward Assyria and Turkey and over toward Assyria and Turkey and over toward Assyria and Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia. And armies were going through one And armies were going through one And armies were going through one direction or the other all the time. And direction or the other all the time. And direction or the other all the time. And poor Israel was in the middle regularly.

poor Israel was in the middle regularly. poor Israel was in the middle regularly. So So So >> they were used to armies coming through, >> they were used to armies coming through, >> they were used to armies coming through, but also they were used to locust swarms but also they were used to locust swarms but also they were used to locust swarms coming through. coming through. coming through. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So >> So >> So for myself, for myself, for myself, well, I can see them both being referred well, I can see them both being referred well, I can see them both being referred to. So they're they're metaphors of each to. So they're they're metaphors of each to. So they're they're metaphors of each other, if you like. other, if you like. other, if you like. They're so graphic on the uh the locust They're so graphic on the uh the locust They're so graphic on the uh the locust and that's where it starts. So I don't and that's where it starts. So I don't and that's where it starts. So I don't see any problem of seeing that as being see any problem of seeing that as being see any problem of seeing that as being literal. literal. literal. >> I think it's it's interesting because >> I think it's it's interesting because >> I think it's it's interesting because like for the last few books we've been like for the last few books we've been like for the last few books we've been coming off of these dire warnings these coming off of these dire warnings these coming off of these dire warnings these prophets are giving to Israel of saying prophets are giving to Israel of saying prophets are giving to Israel of saying of saying guys God's judgment is coming. of saying guys God's judgment is coming. of saying guys God's judgment is coming. this city will fall like we will be this city will fall like we will be this city will fall like we will be taken over you know and then you get taken over you know and then you get taken over you know and then you get even like a fuller picture from Jeremiah even like a fuller picture from Jeremiah even like a fuller picture from Jeremiah and through lamentations of I said this and through lamentations of I said this and through lamentations of I said this would happen and this happened and so would happen and this happened and so would happen and this happened and so for like books on end now it feels like for like books on end now it feels like for like books on end now it feels like we've been reading about these prophets we've been reading about these prophets we've been reading about these prophets warnings to Jerusalem warnings to Jerusalem warnings to Jerusalem and and and um and then so this is like a tonal um and then so this is like a tonal um and then so this is like a tonal shift a little bit when we get to Joel shift a little bit when we get to Joel shift a little bit when we get to Joel it's very different than Hosea in the it's very different than Hosea in the it's very different than Hosea in the last book last book last book And so it's just so I can understand And so it's just so I can understand And so it's just so I can understand especially if people are are just especially if people are are just especially if people are are just reading the books going straight through reading the books going straight through reading the books going straight through being like, "Oh, this locust." Yeah, being like, "Oh, this locust." Yeah, being like, "Oh, this locust." Yeah, that's probably another, you know, that's probably another, you know, that's probably another, you know, another prophetic warning against another prophetic warning against another prophetic warning against Israel.

Israel. Israel. >> Just like I've been reading. >> Just like I've been reading. >> Just like I've been reading. >> Yeah. Well, see, it would be, but it >> Yeah. Well, see, it would be, but it >> Yeah. Well, see, it would be, but it sounds like it's something that they are sounds like it's something that they are sounds like it's something that they are in fact in fact in fact >> experiencing. Yeah. Um because I think >> experiencing. Yeah. Um because I think >> experiencing. Yeah. Um because I think that's part of the message of of the that's part of the message of of the that's part of the message of of the whole book that whole book that whole book that >> for sure >> for sure >> for sure >> God >> God >> God well the we'll talk a little bit in a well the we'll talk a little bit in a well the we'll talk a little bit in a minute about the supernatural realm and minute about the supernatural realm and minute about the supernatural realm and the natural realm but the natural realm but the natural realm but >> nature is also powerful and >> nature is also powerful and >> nature is also powerful and effective on the life of people and we effective on the life of people and we effective on the life of people and we kind of forget that because we're more kind of forget that because we're more kind of forget that because we're more removed in the west from nature. removed in the west from nature. removed in the west from nature. >> Yeah. except uh some of the events that >> Yeah. except uh some of the events that >> Yeah. except uh some of the events that are happening these days. are happening these days. are happening these days. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> It's catching up with us. >> It's catching up with us. >> It's catching up with us. >> It is. So, >> It is. So, >> It is. So, let's get into some of those themes then let's get into some of those themes then let's get into some of those themes then now that we've seen. You've already now that we've seen. You've already now that we've seen. You've already mentioned a couple, but but I want to mentioned a couple, but but I want to mentioned a couple, but but I want to set aside this time for you to unpack set aside this time for you to unpack set aside this time for you to unpack some of these major themes that we see some of these major themes that we see some of these major themes that we see in the book of Joel. And then if you in the book of Joel. And then if you in the book of Joel. And then if you could talk about how does knowing these could talk about how does knowing these could talk about how does knowing these themes in advance help us to read the themes in advance help us to read the themes in advance help us to read the book better?

book better? book better? Okay. I think one of the main themes, Okay. I think one of the main themes, Okay. I think one of the main themes, uh, I can't remember if we mentioned it uh, I can't remember if we mentioned it uh, I can't remember if we mentioned it already, but one that's running through already, but one that's running through already, but one that's running through the book and other books is the day of the book and other books is the day of the book and other books is the day of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> We mentioned it briefly, but I'm glad to >> We mentioned it briefly, but I'm glad to >> We mentioned it briefly, but I'm glad to unpack it now. Yeah. unpack it now. Yeah. unpack it now. Yeah. >> Yeah. And uh I understand you haven't >> Yeah. And uh I understand you haven't >> Yeah. And uh I understand you haven't looked at Amos yet, but to give you a looked at Amos yet, but to give you a looked at Amos yet, but to give you a kind of a preview of Amos cuz Amos for kind of a preview of Amos cuz Amos for kind of a preview of Amos cuz Amos for example, you see there are two sides of example, you see there are two sides of example, you see there are two sides of the day of the Lord the day of the Lord the day of the Lord >> where uh the prophet says, "Why are you >> where uh the prophet says, "Why are you >> where uh the prophet says, "Why are you Israel desiring the day of the Lord?" So Israel desiring the day of the Lord?" So Israel desiring the day of the Lord?" So it sounds like they thought um this is it sounds like they thought um this is it sounds like they thought um this is something to look forward to. We're something to look forward to. We're something to look forward to. We're God's people, so the day of the Lord is God's people, so the day of the Lord is God's people, so the day of the Lord is going to be our day. It's going to be a going to be our day. It's going to be a going to be our day. It's going to be a blessing for us. But God says, you know, blessing for us. But God says, you know, blessing for us. But God says, you know, there are two sides of this coin. Um, there are two sides of this coin. Um, there are two sides of this coin. Um, you're misunderstanding things. you're misunderstanding things. you're misunderstanding things. Just being God or being God's child is Just being God or being God's child is Just being God or being God's child is not just a matter of bloodline just not just a matter of bloodline just not just a matter of bloodline just because you're related to Abraham, but because you're related to Abraham, but because you're related to Abraham, but of covenant obedience.

of covenant obedience. of covenant obedience. So if you turn your back on God, if you So if you turn your back on God, if you So if you turn your back on God, if you break the covenant, the day of the Lord break the covenant, the day of the Lord break the covenant, the day of the Lord is not going to be a joyful time for is not going to be a joyful time for is not going to be a joyful time for you, but it could be a time of pain and you, but it could be a time of pain and you, but it could be a time of pain and punishment. punishment. punishment. So there are two sides of this coin. Got So there are two sides of this coin. Got So there are two sides of this coin. Got the same day of the Lord but black and the same day of the Lord but black and the same day of the Lord but black and white if you like. white if you like. white if you like. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So in Joel it says the day is coming >> So in Joel it says the day is coming >> So in Joel it says the day is coming very soon in chapter 1 verse1 15. But very soon in chapter 1 verse1 15. But very soon in chapter 1 verse1 15. But for them that it's going to be a dark for them that it's going to be a dark for them that it's going to be a dark day. The day of the locust. And day. The day of the locust. And day. The day of the locust. And especially at the start of the book it especially at the start of the book it especially at the start of the book it seems to be just pictured as a natural seems to be just pictured as a natural seems to be just pictured as a natural phenomena. this cyclical insect phenomena. this cyclical insect phenomena. this cyclical insect manifestation which periodically comes manifestation which periodically comes manifestation which periodically comes and hits everybody in the area, not just and hits everybody in the area, not just and hits everybody in the area, not just the Israelites. But later on in chapter the Israelites. But later on in chapter the Israelites. But later on in chapter 2, there is a call in verse 12 where God 2, there is a call in verse 12 where God 2, there is a call in verse 12 where God says, "Return to me." says, "Return to me." says, "Return to me." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that's kind of an indication they >> And that's kind of an indication they >> And that's kind of an indication they must have left him in some way, but we must have left him in some way, but we must have left him in some way, but we don't know how cuz that's not spelled don't know how cuz that's not spelled don't know how cuz that's not spelled out. Most a lot of the other prophets, out. Most a lot of the other prophets, out. Most a lot of the other prophets, they say, "This is the sin that you did.

they say, "This is the sin that you did. they say, "This is the sin that you did. Bang, bang, bang." You get a whole list Bang, bang, bang." You get a whole list Bang, bang, bang." You get a whole list of them. We didn't there's no mention of of them. We didn't there's no mention of of them. We didn't there's no mention of sin. I didn't look at that particular sin. I didn't look at that particular sin. I didn't look at that particular term. Yeah. I'm not sure if sin is term. Yeah. I'm not sure if sin is term. Yeah. I'm not sure if sin is mentioned in Joel. Um and it's presented mentioned in Joel. Um and it's presented mentioned in Joel. Um and it's presented first as a natural phenomena, but it first as a natural phenomena, but it first as a natural phenomena, but it sounds like this is something God is sounds like this is something God is sounds like this is something God is behind because he's trying to bring them behind because he's trying to bring them behind because he's trying to bring them back to him. And when they make this back to him. And when they make this back to him. And when they make this turn back to God, he'll restore them. So turn back to God, he'll restore them. So turn back to God, he'll restore them. So if you like, we've got the dark side of if you like, we've got the dark side of if you like, we've got the dark side of the day of the Lord at the beginning. the day of the Lord at the beginning. the day of the Lord at the beginning. But when they pray and repent uh from But when they pray and repent uh from But when they pray and repent uh from whatever it is they did, then they're whatever it is they did, then they're whatever it is they did, then they're going to get the flip side of the coin, going to get the flip side of the coin, going to get the flip side of the coin, a blessing and salvation. And it's not a blessing and salvation. And it's not a blessing and salvation. And it's not just Israel. And when I'm talking Israel just Israel. And when I'm talking Israel just Israel. And when I'm talking Israel here, by the way, it seems to be Judah here, by the way, it seems to be Judah here, by the way, it seems to be Judah mainly. So Israel, the north, seems to mainly. So Israel, the north, seems to mainly. So Israel, the north, seems to have disappeared by now. But the view in have disappeared by now. But the view in have disappeared by now. But the view in Joel Joel is wider than just Israel Joel Joel is wider than just Israel Joel Joel is wider than just Israel since the day also impacts her since the day also impacts her since the day also impacts her neighbors. Uh in chapter 3, these are neighbors. Uh in chapter 3, these are neighbors. Uh in chapter 3, these are non Yahwists. They don't worship Yahweh.

non Yahwists. They don't worship Yahweh. non Yahwists. They don't worship Yahweh. But they're shown here in chapter 3 also But they're shown here in chapter 3 also But they're shown here in chapter 3 also to be under the power of God. Uh because to be under the power of God. Uh because to be under the power of God. Uh because it says in the day when Judah is it says in the day when Judah is it says in the day when Judah is restored. So the restoration is the restored. So the restoration is the restored. So the restoration is the positive side of the coin. Uh then it positive side of the coin. Uh then it positive side of the coin. Uh then it says the neighbors who mistreated them says the neighbors who mistreated them says the neighbors who mistreated them which are Ty and Siden which are on the which are Ty and Siden which are on the which are Ty and Siden which are on the coast up in Lebanon Syria way and then coast up in Lebanon Syria way and then coast up in Lebanon Syria way and then the Philistines are mentioned who in the the Philistines are mentioned who in the the Philistines are mentioned who in the south then Egypt which is further south south then Egypt which is further south south then Egypt which is further south and Edom to the east. These are all and Edom to the east. These are all and Edom to the east. These are all singled out in particular. So they'll singled out in particular. So they'll singled out in particular. So they'll experience the negative side of the experience the negative side of the experience the negative side of the coin. They're going to be punished for coin. They're going to be punished for coin. They're going to be punished for the pain that they've caused Israel. Uh the pain that they've caused Israel. Uh the pain that they've caused Israel. Uh so it's so it's so it's interesting the day of the Lord is not interesting the day of the Lord is not interesting the day of the Lord is not just an Israelite phenomena. It seems to just an Israelite phenomena. It seems to just an Israelite phenomena. It seems to be presented here as a a national or an be presented here as a a national or an be presented here as a a national or an international uh international uh international uh >> side. So and that would be the the major >> side. So and that would be the the major >> side. So and that would be the the major theme that I would see here. Um theme that I would see here. Um theme that I would see here. Um >> well I think it ties in really well with >> well I think it ties in really well with >> well I think it ties in really well with with the next question that we always with the next question that we always with the next question that we always ask which is what does this book teach ask which is what does this book teach ask which is what does this book teach us about God?

Okay, there's a a lot of interesting Okay, there's a a lot of interesting things I think that you can see here. things I think that you can see here. things I think that you can see here. One maybe first of all is to say this is One maybe first of all is to say this is One maybe first of all is to say this is God's world. Um both what we would God's world. Um both what we would God's world. Um both what we would consider being super supernatural as consider being super supernatural as consider being super supernatural as well as natural aspects of it. well as natural aspects of it. well as natural aspects of it. >> Yeah. Uh so in describing the locust as >> Yeah. Uh so in describing the locust as >> Yeah. Uh so in describing the locust as a mighty army, he says in verse 11 of a mighty army, he says in verse 11 of a mighty army, he says in verse 11 of chapter 2, the Lord utters his voice at chapter 2, the Lord utters his voice at chapter 2, the Lord utters his voice at the head of his army. How vast is his the head of his army. How vast is his the head of his army. How vast is his host. Numberless are those who oy his host. Numberless are those who oy his host. Numberless are those who oy his command. command. command. And if you're an Israelite in hearing And if you're an Israelite in hearing And if you're an Israelite in hearing this, um you're going to think about this, um you're going to think about this, um you're going to think about what you're experiencing in a different what you're experiencing in a different what you're experiencing in a different way. Uh it is a natural phenomena but way. Uh it is a natural phenomena but way. Uh it is a natural phenomena but it's under God's direction. This is his it's under God's direction. This is his it's under God's direction. This is his locust swarm. Um locust swarm. Um locust swarm. Um boy that changes things. Um boy that changes things. Um boy that changes things. Um >> why might he be bringing it on us and >> why might he be bringing it on us and >> why might he be bringing it on us and this is immediately before that call to this is immediately before that call to this is immediately before that call to return that I just mentioned. Mhm.

return that I just mentioned. Mhm. return that I just mentioned. Mhm. >> So, uh again, it seems as if God was >> So, uh again, it seems as if God was >> So, uh again, it seems as if God was painting this as a just a natural painting this as a just a natural painting this as a just a natural phenomena and saying that I will you phenomena and saying that I will you phenomena and saying that I will you pray to me and I'll help you in it. Uh pray to me and I'll help you in it. Uh pray to me and I'll help you in it. Uh but he seems to be saying here too that but he seems to be saying here too that but he seems to be saying here too that u there might be some causation on your u there might be some causation on your u there might be some causation on your side of why it's taking place. Um and he side of why it's taking place. Um and he side of why it's taking place. Um and he says says says uh well it shows them in this passage uh well it shows them in this passage uh well it shows them in this passage they're tearing their clothes and lament they're tearing their clothes and lament they're tearing their clothes and lament at the suffering they're experienced but at the suffering they're experienced but at the suffering they're experienced but God calls them in verse 13 of chapter 2 God calls them in verse 13 of chapter 2 God calls them in verse 13 of chapter 2 to rend your heart and not your to rend your heart and not your to rend your heart and not your garments. garments. garments. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So examine your very being and not just >> So examine your very being and not just >> So examine your very being and not just your clothes. U turn to me. But this is your clothes. U turn to me. But this is your clothes. U turn to me. But this is God's world. even what we might call the God's world. even what we might call the God's world. even what we might call the natural part um is still under God's natural part um is still under God's natural part um is still under God's control. And if it is God's control in control. And if it is God's control in control. And if it is God's control in God's world, it's interesting the the God's world, it's interesting the the God's world, it's interesting the the power that he shows here where he's power that he shows here where he's power that he shows here where he's controlling nature. controlling nature. controlling nature. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And also opposing nations, some of these >> And also opposing nations, some of these >> And also opposing nations, some of these mighty ones like the Philistines or the mighty ones like the Philistines or the mighty ones like the Philistines or the Egyptians who are even stronger. uh but Egyptians who are even stronger. uh but Egyptians who are even stronger. uh but he's also seen in really mighty signs he's also seen in really mighty signs he's also seen in really mighty signs using some of the imagery that he makes using some of the imagery that he makes using some of the imagery that he makes himself known by in other places. In himself known by in other places. In himself known by in other places. In chapter 2 11 it talks about God chapter 2 11 it talks about God chapter 2 11 it talks about God thundering and later in that chapter he thundering and later in that chapter he thundering and later in that chapter he says I'll show portance in the heavens says I'll show portance in the heavens says I'll show portance in the heavens and on the earth blood and fire and and on the earth blood and fire and and on the earth blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be columns of smoke. The sun shall be columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to

turned to darkness and the moon to turned to darkness and the moon to blood. So he's quaking of the whole blood. So he's quaking of the whole blood. So he's quaking of the whole earth. The sun and the moon in chapter earth. The sun and the moon in chapter earth. The sun and the moon in chapter 3. The sun and the moon are darkened. 3. The sun and the moon are darkened. 3. The sun and the moon are darkened. The stars withd their shining. The Lord The stars withd their shining. The Lord The stars withd their shining. The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice in roars from Zion and utters his voice in roars from Zion and utters his voice in Jerusalem. And the heavens and earth Jerusalem. And the heavens and earth Jerusalem. And the heavens and earth shake. Lord roaring from Zion. You'll shake. Lord roaring from Zion. You'll shake. Lord roaring from Zion. You'll see that in Amos. Uh so some of the see that in Amos. Uh so some of the see that in Amos. Uh so some of the other prophets use these same things to other prophets use these same things to other prophets use these same things to show that show that show that God is powerful even in these natural God is powerful even in these natural God is powerful even in these natural phenomena. phenomena. phenomena. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> they'll catch your attention. But even >> they'll catch your attention. But even >> they'll catch your attention. But even in his power, he loves his people. And in his power, he loves his people. And in his power, he loves his people. And it says he's jealous for them and for it says he's jealous for them and for it says he's jealous for them and for their land and he pies them in their their land and he pies them in their their land and he pies them in their suffering. Chapter 2 verse 18. Uh he suffering. Chapter 2 verse 18. Uh he suffering. Chapter 2 verse 18. Uh he hears their prayer. He sees their hears their prayer. He sees their hears their prayer. He sees their penitence and restores their place. And penitence and restores their place. And penitence and restores their place. And in Hosea, you'll see him as a parent. So in Hosea, you'll see him as a parent. So in Hosea, you'll see him as a parent. So that analogy is not used here. But like that analogy is not used here. But like that analogy is not used here. But like any parent, uh he knows he has to any parent, uh he knows he has to any parent, uh he knows he has to discipline. Um but he what he wants is discipline. Um but he what he wants is discipline. Um but he what he wants is not the discipline. wants the return of not the discipline. wants the return of not the discipline. wants the return of the children to them.

the children to them. the children to them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To have a right relationship with him. >> To have a right relationship with him. >> To have a right relationship with him. We want the correct parent child We want the correct parent child We want the correct parent child relationship and it hurts him to hurt relationship and it hurts him to hurt relationship and it hurts him to hurt them. Uh so he loves his people even them. Uh so he loves his people even them. Uh so he loves his people even when he has to punish them. So those are when he has to punish them. So those are when he has to punish them. So those are a few aspects of the things I think you a few aspects of the things I think you a few aspects of the things I think you can learn about God from here. can learn about God from here. can learn about God from here. >> Every one of those things that you >> Every one of those things that you >> Every one of those things that you mentioned is is is ones that I was mentioned is is is ones that I was mentioned is is is ones that I was hoping would be highlighted. So I'm so hoping would be highlighted. So I'm so hoping would be highlighted. So I'm so glad that you did. I think Joel it glad that you did. I think Joel it glad that you did. I think Joel it doesn't get the doesn't get the doesn't get the recognition it deserves as a book about recognition it deserves as a book about recognition it deserves as a book about the character of God like as as a the character of God like as as a the character of God like as as a picture of God because Joel is an picture of God because Joel is an picture of God because Joel is an incredibly incredibly incredibly um um um um a powerful book. um a powerful book. um a powerful book. Each one of these chapters focuses in Each one of these chapters focuses in Each one of these chapters focuses in it's on like a different aspect or it's on like a different aspect or it's on like a different aspect or element of of God which I love. Like element of of God which I love. Like element of of God which I love. Like chapter one focuses on the physical the chapter one focuses on the physical the chapter one focuses on the physical the natural world as you talked about God natural world as you talked about God natural world as you talked about God can control the loc you know in this can control the loc you know in this can control the loc you know in this sense in what we were talking about sense in what we were talking about sense in what we were talking about there and chapter 2 is just this there and chapter 2 is just this there and chapter 2 is just this beautiful picture especially starting beautiful picture especially starting beautiful picture especially starting from 12 on about this call to repentance from 12 on about this call to repentance from 12 on about this call to repentance and looking at what is God after in our and looking at what is God after in our and looking at what is God after in our hearts and then chapter three talking hearts and then chapter three talking hearts and then chapter three talking about the effect the judgment against about the effect the judgment against about the effect the judgment against the enemy nations but then also just the the enemy nations but then also just the the enemy nations but then also just the idea of the power and the personal. You

idea of the power and the personal. You idea of the power and the personal. You mentioned uh verse 16, the Lord's voice mentioned uh verse 16, the Lord's voice mentioned uh verse 16, the Lord's voice will roar from Zion and thunder from will roar from Zion and thunder from will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth will shake, but the Lord will be a will shake, but the Lord will be a will shake, but the Lord will be a refuge for his people. So, he has the refuge for his people. So, he has the refuge for his people. So, he has the power and the personal. The power and power and the personal. The power and power and the personal. The power and the personal. And chapter 2, I just the personal. And chapter 2, I just the personal. And chapter 2, I just wanted to highlight especially because wanted to highlight especially because wanted to highlight especially because if you've never read Joel chapter 2, if you've never read Joel chapter 2, if you've never read Joel chapter 2, like go do so now. I highly recommend like go do so now. I highly recommend like go do so now. I highly recommend it. It just really stands out. And and it. It just really stands out. And and it. It just really stands out. And and what stood out to me this time in going what stood out to me this time in going what stood out to me this time in going back through it was God back through it was God back through it was God making very clear he doesn't want a making very clear he doesn't want a making very clear he doesn't want a performative performative performative faith. His is not one that he's like, faith. His is not one that he's like, faith. His is not one that he's like, "Hey, I'm not interested in your rending "Hey, I'm not interested in your rending "Hey, I'm not interested in your rending of clothes of clothes of clothes to demonstrate your seriousness to demonstrate your seriousness to demonstrate your seriousness or to demonstrate your sacri, you know, or to demonstrate your sacri, you know, or to demonstrate your sacri, you know, like your repentant heart. I want your like your repentant heart. I want your like your repentant heart. I want your repentant heart. I don't need a repentant heart. I don't need a repentant heart. I don't need a demonstration of it, you know, to as demonstration of it, you know, to as demonstration of it, you know, to as this facade, as this thing that you are this facade, as this thing that you are this facade, as this thing that you are putting on. I want your genuine heart, putting on. I want your genuine heart, putting on. I want your genuine heart, you know, and and he keeps calling it you know, and and he keeps calling it you know, and and he keeps calling it calling his people to that.

calling his people to that. calling his people to that. >> And it's so powerful. It's funny. It in >> And it's so powerful. It's funny. It in >> And it's so powerful. It's funny. It in my mind at least it hearkened back to my mind at least it hearkened back to my mind at least it hearkened back to David. Not that David was performative David. Not that David was performative David. Not that David was performative in this, but I I'm I'm I'm remembering in this, but I I'm I'm I'm remembering in this, but I I'm I'm I'm remembering the clothes being rendered at that time, the clothes being rendered at that time, the clothes being rendered at that time, especially back when his his son died. especially back when his his son died. especially back when his his son died. And and what God's saying is that's And and what God's saying is that's And and what God's saying is that's that's great and all, but I'm I'm I'm that's great and all, but I'm I'm I'm that's great and all, but I'm I'm I'm after your heart. And David was a person after your heart. And David was a person after your heart. And David was a person after his heart. I want you to be after after his heart. I want you to be after after his heart. I want you to be after my heart. And I and I just think there's my heart. And I and I just think there's my heart. And I and I just think there's so much in that in God say God saying so much in that in God say God saying so much in that in God say God saying come come come not just come back to me and not just not just come back to me and not just not just come back to me and not just repent but repent with a with an repent but repent with a with an repent but repent with a with an authenticity with a genuiness with your authenticity with a genuiness with your authenticity with a genuiness with your real self that is so powerful out of real self that is so powerful out of real self that is so powerful out of this book. Um this book. Um this book. Um >> yeah and and it's one of the themes >> yeah and and it's one of the themes >> yeah and and it's one of the themes you're going to see when you look at you're going to see when you look at you're going to see when you look at Amos too where it says the same kind of Amos too where it says the same kind of Amos too where it says the same kind of thing. It's not that I have anything thing. It's not that I have anything thing. It's not that I have anything against your outward religious life, but against your outward religious life, but against your outward religious life, but if you don't have any inward religious if you don't have any inward religious if you don't have any inward religious life.

life. life. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, might as well forget the outward. >> Um, might as well forget the outward. >> Um, might as well forget the outward. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so what does this book >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so what does this book >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so what does this book teach us about ourselves, about people? teach us about ourselves, about people? teach us about ourselves, about people? >> Well, probably a number of things here. >> Well, probably a number of things here. >> Well, probably a number of things here. Just a couple thoughts that came to mind Just a couple thoughts that came to mind Just a couple thoughts that came to mind for me is that we too often see things for me is that we too often see things for me is that we too often see things through through through looking at us, how it impacts me. looking at us, how it impacts me. looking at us, how it impacts me. And uh And uh And uh Joel seems to show us that the me that Joel seems to show us that the me that Joel seems to show us that the me that can be affected by devastation is not can be affected by devastation is not can be affected by devastation is not just somebody out there. Um but just somebody out there. Um but just somebody out there. Um but we're all part of this. Um we're all part of this. Um we're all part of this. Um whether we're well, it goes from the whether we're well, it goes from the whether we're well, it goes from the highest religious leaders to those lower highest religious leaders to those lower highest religious leaders to those lower in socioeconomic sta status, the the in socioeconomic sta status, the the in socioeconomic sta status, the the drunkards, it includes the elders, the drunkards, it includes the elders, the drunkards, it includes the elders, the children, the nursing infants. Um children, the nursing infants. Um children, the nursing infants. Um there's no distinction which protects there's no distinction which protects there's no distinction which protects anybody from calamity. It can hit all of anybody from calamity. It can hit all of anybody from calamity. It can hit all of us. So uh too often we can say um us. So uh too often we can say um us. So uh too often we can say um they're the sinners they're the sinners they're the sinners but uh again it's not specified what the but uh again it's not specified what the but uh again it's not specified what the sin is here but uh we're all impacted.

sin is here but uh we're all impacted. sin is here but uh we're all impacted. Uh we we can't say this is a book for Uh we we can't say this is a book for Uh we we can't say this is a book for you. Uh this is book for me as well and you. Uh this is book for me as well and you. Uh this is book for me as well and we all have to plead for God's mercy. um we all have to plead for God's mercy. um we all have to plead for God's mercy. um not just those that we consider to be not just those that we consider to be not just those that we consider to be guilty. We all are guilty in some ways guilty. We all are guilty in some ways guilty. We all are guilty in some ways and need repentance. And it also I think and need repentance. And it also I think and need repentance. And it also I think shows us how we can be impacted by shows us how we can be impacted by shows us how we can be impacted by things beyond our control. things beyond our control. things beyond our control. Uh we can't pause the locust plague nor Uh we can't pause the locust plague nor Uh we can't pause the locust plague nor can we stop it. And there are things can we stop it. And there are things can we stop it. And there are things beyond us which we too often do not beyond us which we too often do not beyond us which we too often do not realize um that they're beyond us. We realize um that they're beyond us. We realize um that they're beyond us. We think we're in control of our own think we're in control of our own think we're in control of our own destiny until cancer strikes or our destiny until cancer strikes or our destiny until cancer strikes or our house burns down or we lose our jobs or house burns down or we lose our jobs or house burns down or we lose our jobs or our healthc care. Um so we need to be our healthc care. Um so we need to be our healthc care. Um so we need to be aware of our need of God's grace even aware of our need of God's grace even aware of our need of God's grace even when things are good and not just turn when things are good and not just turn when things are good and not just turn to him when things are bad. to him when things are bad. to him when things are bad. >> So >> So >> So >> yeah, we especially in the west we I did >> yeah, we especially in the west we I did >> yeah, we especially in the west we I did it my way. We've got uh it my way. We've got uh it my way. We've got uh >> what is it? Frank Sinatra theology.

>> what is it? Frank Sinatra theology. >> what is it? Frank Sinatra theology. >> Um and >> Um and >> Um and you know God is the one who's in you know God is the one who's in you know God is the one who's in control. So I think those are a couple control. So I think those are a couple control. So I think those are a couple of things that we can learn personally. of things that we can learn personally. of things that we can learn personally. >> Yeah. I think there's a great reminder >> Yeah. I think there's a great reminder >> Yeah. I think there's a great reminder and it's a constant reminder. and it's a constant reminder. and it's a constant reminder. It's something that we saw a lot when It's something that we saw a lot when It's something that we saw a lot when we're reading the historical books and we're reading the historical books and we're reading the historical books and and the penetuk especially is this and the penetuk especially is this and the penetuk especially is this constant reminder of um hey guys like constant reminder of um hey guys like constant reminder of um hey guys like I'm here I'm here to be your refuge. I'm I'm here I'm here to be your refuge. I'm I'm here I'm here to be your refuge. I'm here to be your God and you keep here to be your God and you keep here to be your God and you keep forgetting this. And that that shows up forgetting this. And that that shows up forgetting this. And that that shows up again here is this reminder of God's again here is this reminder of God's again here is this reminder of God's jealousy for us, but also not to take jealousy for us, but also not to take jealousy for us, but also not to take advantage of his holiness, advantage of his holiness, advantage of his holiness, not to disrespect his holiness and what not to disrespect his holiness and what not to disrespect his holiness and what he has called us to and who he is in the he has called us to and who he is in the he has called us to and who he is in the land that he set for us. In this ca, you land that he set for us. In this ca, you land that he set for us. In this ca, you know, he says in 2:18, right? The Lord know, he says in 2:18, right? The Lord know, he says in 2:18, right? The Lord will pity his people and jealously guard will pity his people and jealously guard will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land. And we tend to I the honor of his land. And we tend to I the honor of his land. And we tend to I think it's a reminder of hey, we tend to think it's a reminder of hey, we tend to think it's a reminder of hey, we tend to take things for granted sometimes and take things for granted sometimes and take things for granted sometimes and and not just who God says he is, but and not just who God says he is, but and not just who God says he is, but also his holiness, his set apartness, also his holiness, his set apartness, also his holiness, his set apartness, and in what he has called us to to to and in what he has called us to to to and in what he has called us to to to care for that and to tender that. and care for that and to tender that. and care for that and to tender that. and God saying, "Uh, guys, I'm going to God saying, "Uh, guys, I'm going to God saying, "Uh, guys, I'm going to quote jealously guard the honor of my quote jealously guard the honor of my quote jealously guard the honor of my land."

land." land." So, I think these are good So, I think these are good So, I think these are good >> gifts to you. Yeah. These are gifts to >> gifts to you. Yeah. These are gifts to >> gifts to you. Yeah. These are gifts to you. So, be thankful for them and behave you. So, be thankful for them and behave you. So, be thankful for them and behave how you use them. how you use them. how you use them. >> Yeah. And he calls us to rejoice in him. >> Yeah. And he calls us to rejoice in him. >> Yeah. And he calls us to rejoice in him. I think I think there's that reminder. I think I think there's that reminder. I think I think there's that reminder. It's later in in chapter two, but but It's later in in chapter two, but but It's later in in chapter two, but but this call to rejoice, too. It's saying, this call to rejoice, too. It's saying, this call to rejoice, too. It's saying, "Guys, it's I'm not just a a rule maker. "Guys, it's I'm not just a a rule maker. "Guys, it's I'm not just a a rule maker. I'm not just a stickler, but you can I'm not just a stickler, but you can I'm not just a stickler, but you can rejoice and take joy in me even while rejoice and take joy in me even while rejoice and take joy in me even while following the life I have laid out following the life I have laid out following the life I have laid out before you. Even, you know, honoring my before you. Even, you know, honoring my before you. Even, you know, honoring my name and seeing me as refuge, there is name and seeing me as refuge, there is name and seeing me as refuge, there is joy to be had in that. And I think um I joy to be had in that. And I think um I joy to be had in that. And I think um I think when God has to remind Israel of think when God has to remind Israel of think when God has to remind Israel of that, we also have to remind ourselves that, we also have to remind ourselves that, we also have to remind ourselves of that, too. Just a good little note. of that, too. Just a good little note. of that, too. Just a good little note. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, one thing that I'd like to ask, and >> Um, one thing that I'd like to ask, and >> Um, one thing that I'd like to ask, and this one is a little bit different this one is a little bit different this one is a little bit different because the book is so short, but are because the book is so short, but are because the book is so short, but are there are there maybe two verses or there are there maybe two verses or there are there maybe two verses or passages or or whatever it is, I'm going passages or or whatever it is, I'm going passages or or whatever it is, I'm going to leave it up to you that you would to leave it up to you that you would to leave it up to you that you would like to highlight that are like worth a like to highlight that are like worth a like to highlight that are like worth a person who is reading this book, you person who is reading this book, you person who is reading this book, you know, like, hey, flag this because this know, like, hey, flag this because this know, like, hey, flag this because this has some, you know, extra bit of has some, you know, extra bit of has some, you know, extra bit of importance or significance for you.

importance or significance for you. importance or significance for you. One section that we probably know from One section that we probably know from One section that we probably know from the New Testament, which is important, the New Testament, which is important, the New Testament, which is important, are couple of key verses in chapter 2 are couple of key verses in chapter 2 are couple of key verses in chapter 2 because they're picked up by Peter and because they're picked up by Peter and because they're picked up by Peter and Paul. And uh they bring about an Paul. And uh they bring about an Paul. And uh they bring about an important shift of emphasis even important shift of emphasis even important shift of emphasis even what's been going on in the Old what's been going on in the Old what's been going on in the Old Testament. And that's verse 28. Then Testament. And that's verse 28. Then Testament. And that's verse 28. Then afterward, I will pour out my spirit on afterward, I will pour out my spirit on afterward, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters all flesh. Your sons and your daughters all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Your old men shall dream shall prophesy. Your old men shall dream shall prophesy. Your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see dreams and your young men shall see dreams and your young men shall see visions even on the male and female visions even on the male and female visions even on the male and female slaves in those days who will pour out slaves in those days who will pour out slaves in those days who will pour out my spirit. my spirit. my spirit. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Now in the Old Testament, the spirit >> Now in the Old Testament, the spirit >> Now in the Old Testament, the spirit usually empowers select people. usually empowers select people. usually empowers select people. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> For functions of leadership. Uh he does >> For functions of leadership. Uh he does >> For functions of leadership. Uh he does it for judges the some of the prophets it for judges the some of the prophets it for judges the some of the prophets says receive the spirit kings some of says receive the spirit kings some of says receive the spirit kings some of the kings it says and then also the the kings it says and then also the the kings it says and then also the messiah in several places but here this messiah in several places but here this messiah in several places but here this bestow of the spirit is even wider on bestow of the spirit is even wider on bestow of the spirit is even wider on all flesh all flesh all flesh and it's important I think to notice how and it's important I think to notice how and it's important I think to notice how he describes this because both genders he describes this because both genders he describes this because both genders are involved males and females it says are involved males and females it says are involved males and females it says your sons and your daughters.

your sons and your daughters. your sons and your daughters. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um though up until this time the >> Um though up until this time the >> Um though up until this time the recipients of the spirit have been recipients of the spirit have been recipients of the spirit have been mainly male. I haven't done a complete mainly male. I haven't done a complete mainly male. I haven't done a complete study of this but uh we do have a couple study of this but uh we do have a couple study of this but uh we do have a couple of female judges. I just went back and of female judges. I just went back and of female judges. I just went back and looked at Deborah. It doesn't say looked at Deborah. It doesn't say looked at Deborah. It doesn't say specifically that she received the specifically that she received the specifically that she received the spirit uh but doesn't say that for all spirit uh but doesn't say that for all spirit uh but doesn't say that for all the judges. So we need to do a study the judges. So we need to do a study the judges. So we need to do a study about has the spirit specifically been about has the spirit specifically been about has the spirit specifically been said to come on females earlier but it said to come on females earlier but it said to come on females earlier but it is saying here that both genders will is saying here that both genders will is saying here that both genders will receive the spirit. receive the spirit. receive the spirit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Then it also here touches on all ages. >> Then it also here touches on all ages. >> Then it also here touches on all ages. It says old and young and then also all It says old and young and then also all It says old and young and then also all social classes even the slaves. social classes even the slaves. social classes even the slaves. Now it says on all flesh. Now, most of Now it says on all flesh. Now, most of Now it says on all flesh. Now, most of the original audience would likely have the original audience would likely have the original audience would likely have heard this through Israelite eyes. That heard this through Israelite eyes. That heard this through Israelite eyes. That is saying all flesh means all is saying all flesh means all is saying all flesh means all Israelites. Israelites. Israelites. >> But that's not what the text says. It >> But that's not what the text says. It >> But that's not what the text says. It says all flesh. says all flesh. says all flesh. >> And it's not how Paul sees it in Romans >> And it's not how Paul sees it in Romans >> And it's not how Paul sees it in Romans 10 because he says there's no difference 10 because he says there's no difference 10 because he says there's no difference between Jew and Greek, um, slave and between Jew and Greek, um, slave and between Jew and Greek, um, slave and free.

free. free. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And in the early church, Gentile and Jew And in the early church, Gentile and Jew And in the early church, Gentile and Jew are also welcomed into the early church are also welcomed into the early church are also welcomed into the early church and gifted with the Holy Spirit. And I and gifted with the Holy Spirit. And I and gifted with the Holy Spirit. And I was just thinking um this passage in was just thinking um this passage in was just thinking um this passage in particular I think has special particular I think has special particular I think has special significance for some of you listeners significance for some of you listeners significance for some of you listeners of this podcast uh coming from of this podcast uh coming from of this podcast uh coming from Saddleback Saddleback Saddleback which seems to be saying things about which seems to be saying things about which seems to be saying things about the empowerment of women for ministry in the empowerment of women for ministry in the empowerment of women for ministry in God's name and with his blessing. God's name and with his blessing. God's name and with his blessing. >> Uh but that's a topic I'll leave some >> Uh but that's a topic I'll leave some >> Uh but that's a topic I'll leave some others to discuss. But I I think it is others to discuss. But I I think it is others to discuss. But I I think it is important um to see how broad God is important um to see how broad God is important um to see how broad God is casting his blessing of the spirit to casting his blessing of the spirit to casting his blessing of the spirit to all flesh. all flesh. all flesh. >> Yeah. Oh yes. Most definitely. That is I >> Yeah. Oh yes. Most definitely. That is I >> Yeah. Oh yes. Most definitely. That is I mean that whole passage I find mean that whole passage I find mean that whole passage I find fascinating from 28 through 32. And fascinating from 28 through 32. And fascinating from 28 through 32. And maybe this gets us into the one of the maybe this gets us into the one of the maybe this gets us into the one of the sticky parts. You know, I I always ask, sticky parts. You know, I I always ask, sticky parts. You know, I I always ask, is there a a sticky part that is worth is there a a sticky part that is worth is there a a sticky part that is worth talking about? You know, like or I talking about? You know, like or I talking about? You know, like or I should say a part that is like, hey, should say a part that is like, hey, should say a part that is like, hey, you're going to read this if you haven't you're going to read this if you haven't you're going to read this if you haven't read this book before and, you know, read this book before and, you know, read this book before and, you know, just kind of be aware of it because just kind of be aware of it because just kind of be aware of it because from, you know, 30 through, from, you know, 30 through, from, you know, 30 through, I mean, through the end. Um, I would I mean, through the end. Um, I would I mean, through the end. Um, I would probably classify as one of those sticky probably classify as one of those sticky probably classify as one of those sticky parts.

parts. parts. >> Yeah. And that would be it's looking at >> Yeah. And that would be it's looking at >> Yeah. And that would be it's looking at things apocalyptically. things apocalyptically. things apocalyptically. um or or as we said uh interesting um or or as we said uh interesting um or or as we said uh interesting descriptions of what's going to be descriptions of what's going to be descriptions of what's going to be happening at the uh at particular times happening at the uh at particular times happening at the uh at particular times in history. Uh but the the sticky one I in history. Uh but the the sticky one I in history. Uh but the the sticky one I was looking at was looking at was looking at >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> is uh little bit earlier in chapter 2. >> is uh little bit earlier in chapter 2. >> is uh little bit earlier in chapter 2. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Where we've got verse 13. We we just >> Where we've got verse 13. We we just >> Where we've got verse 13. We we just read. Rend your heart and not your read. Rend your heart and not your read. Rend your heart and not your garments. Um, return to the Lord your garments. Um, return to the Lord your garments. Um, return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and God, for he is gracious and God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and compassionate, slow to anger and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from abounding in love, and he relents from abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Then verse 14, who sending calamity. Then verse 14, who sending calamity. Then verse 14, who knows he may turn and relent and leave knows he may turn and relent and leave knows he may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing. behind a blessing. behind a blessing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Now God calls his people to repent and >> Now God calls his people to repent and >> Now God calls his people to repent and they can choose they can choose they can choose to do that or not. He doesn't coersse to do that or not. He doesn't coersse to do that or not. He doesn't coersse them. Mhm. them. Mhm. them. Mhm. >> But on the other hand, God's response is >> But on the other hand, God's response is >> But on the other hand, God's response is also not coerced, but it's up to his also not coerced, but it's up to his also not coerced, but it's up to his choice because the prophet says, "Who choice because the prophet says, "Who choice because the prophet says, "Who knows? He may turn and relent." And I've knows? He may turn and relent." And I've knows? He may turn and relent." And I've never heard a sermon preached on that.

never heard a sermon preached on that. never heard a sermon preached on that. Um, Um, Um, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> you seem to have the idea that if I pray >> you seem to have the idea that if I pray >> you seem to have the idea that if I pray and ask for forgiveness, God is going to and ask for forgiveness, God is going to and ask for forgiveness, God is going to forgive me. Now, Israel could have forgive me. Now, Israel could have forgive me. Now, Israel could have thought the same thing. and back based thought the same thing. and back based thought the same thing. and back based on previous experience on previous experience on previous experience um you can say that is the truth but I um you can say that is the truth but I um you can say that is the truth but I think in each case we've got to remember think in each case we've got to remember think in each case we've got to remember that it's God's free will free choice if that it's God's free will free choice if that it's God's free will free choice if you like I don't want to get into free you like I don't want to get into free you like I don't want to get into free will but God's free choice to do so and will but God's free choice to do so and will but God's free choice to do so and I think we should always be surprised at I think we should always be surprised at I think we should always be surprised at God's continued grace God's continued grace God's continued grace >> just because we pray something um the >> just because we pray something um the >> just because we pray something um the whole idea of claiming something seems whole idea of claiming something seems whole idea of claiming something seems to be a coercive act. to be a coercive act. to be a coercive act. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Or us toward God. And that seems to be a >> Or us toward God. And that seems to be a >> Or us toward God. And that seems to be a sticky point to me. We can't force his sticky point to me. We can't force his sticky point to me. We can't force his hand simply by doing something. Um hand simply by doing something. Um hand simply by doing something. Um >> that's a great note. >> that's a great note. >> that's a great note. >> Yeah. No, I I I'm so glad that you >> Yeah. No, I I I'm so glad that you >> Yeah. No, I I I'm so glad that you brought that up because it's true. I brought that up because it's true. I brought that up because it's true. I think I think we have a tendency to fall think I think we have a tendency to fall think I think we have a tendency to fall back on this. Well, like, you know, if back on this. Well, like, you know, if back on this. Well, like, you know, if if it's this important to me, then then if it's this important to me, then then if it's this important to me, then then God is going to do it. or or if I you God is going to do it. or or if I you God is going to do it. or or if I you know I I can force God's hand in some know I I can force God's hand in some know I I can force God's hand in some way and God's you know as we mentioned way and God's you know as we mentioned way and God's you know as we mentioned when we talk about what this book when we talk about what this book when we talk about what this book teaches us about God it's a constant teaches us about God it's a constant teaches us about God it's a constant reminder of don't take me for granted reminder of don't take me for granted reminder of don't take me for granted and that's a it's one of those ca it's and that's a it's one of those ca it's and that's a it's one of those ca it's one of those examples of like hey don't one of those examples of like hey don't one of those examples of like hey don't just you know assume like there are just you know assume like there are just you know assume like there are things that we should be able to assume things that we should be able to assume things that we should be able to assume about God because God is true in his

about God because God is true in his about God because God is true in his character but um but his providence is character but um but his providence is character but um but his providence is his providence and his wisdom and his his providence and his wisdom and his his providence and his wisdom and his ways are above ours. So to think that we ways are above ours. So to think that we ways are above ours. So to think that we can um pray and expect a certain thing can um pray and expect a certain thing can um pray and expect a certain thing out of this prayer other than expecting out of this prayer other than expecting out of this prayer other than expecting anything other than his relationship anything other than his relationship anything other than his relationship with us, his faithfulness, his goodness, with us, his faithfulness, his goodness, with us, his faithfulness, his goodness, and all this stuff. Again, it might look and all this stuff. Again, it might look and all this stuff. Again, it might look differently than what you think it will. differently than what you think it will. differently than what you think it will. >> Yeah. We we we always hope and so far >> Yeah. We we we always hope and so far >> Yeah. We we we always hope and so far our hope has never been not fulfilled. our hope has never been not fulfilled. our hope has never been not fulfilled. >> Yeah. But as I said, we've got to be >> Yeah. But as I said, we've got to be >> Yeah. But as I said, we've got to be surprised by that and not not rely on surprised by that and not not rely on surprised by that and not not rely on that. That is the whole idea. Can I keep that. That is the whole idea. Can I keep that. That is the whole idea. Can I keep sinning so God can keep showing grace? sinning so God can keep showing grace? sinning so God can keep showing grace? And there are several places in And there are several places in And there are several places in scripture where God finally says that's scripture where God finally says that's scripture where God finally says that's enough. Um it's not that you're no enough. Um it's not that you're no enough. Um it's not that you're no longer my child, but I'm going to have longer my child, but I'm going to have longer my child, but I'm going to have you join me more soon, more quickly than you join me more soon, more quickly than you join me more soon, more quickly than than you thought you might. than you thought you might. than you thought you might. >> That's a great way to put it. And by the >> That's a great way to put it. And by the >> That's a great way to put it. And by the way, I would love to do a a word study way, I would love to do a a word study way, I would love to do a a word study on the phrase Who knows? I think I would on the phrase Who knows? I think I would on the phrase Who knows? I think I would love to see how many times that phrase love to see how many times that phrase love to see how many times that phrase appears in the Bible because who knows appears in the Bible because who knows appears in the Bible because who knows perhaps God will listen to you. I just I perhaps God will listen to you. I just I perhaps God will listen to you. I just I think that's it. It's hilarious when think that's it. It's hilarious when think that's it. It's hilarious when reading it in context of this.

reading it in context of this. reading it in context of this. >> Yeah, there are a couple of places I >> Yeah, there are a couple of places I >> Yeah, there are a couple of places I haven't done a word study, but I haven't done a word study, but I haven't done a word study, but I remember seeing it a couple of other remember seeing it a couple of other remember seeing it a couple of other places in the prophets as well. places in the prophets as well. places in the prophets as well. >> Okay. Well, well, that's one I got to >> Okay. Well, well, that's one I got to >> Okay. Well, well, that's one I got to keep my eyes out for for sure. Um, as as keep my eyes out for for sure. Um, as as keep my eyes out for for sure. Um, as as we start to wrap up our time together we start to wrap up our time together we start to wrap up our time together here, what is something and I I I love here, what is something and I I I love here, what is something and I I I love ending this question because it's just ending this question because it's just ending this question because it's just free however you want to take it. You've free however you want to take it. You've free however you want to take it. You've spent so much time studying and pouring spent so much time studying and pouring spent so much time studying and pouring into so much of the Bible, but in this into so much of the Bible, but in this into so much of the Bible, but in this case, I'm talking specifically about case, I'm talking specifically about case, I'm talking specifically about Joel. What is something that you would Joel. What is something that you would Joel. What is something that you would hope everybody would know, but probably hope everybody would know, but probably hope everybody would know, but probably doesn't about this book? I think an important concept that's I think an important concept that's coming more and more to the core in the coming more and more to the core in the coming more and more to the core in the mind of especially evangelicals mind of especially evangelicals mind of especially evangelicals is the close but Joel reminds us of that is the close but Joel reminds us of that is the close but Joel reminds us of that is the close inter relationship between is the close inter relationship between is the close inter relationship between humanity and the natural world that we humanity and the natural world that we humanity and the natural world that we live in. live in. live in. >> Because see most of our food comes from >> Because see most of our food comes from >> Because see most of our food comes from the grocery store. Um the only time I the grocery store. Um the only time I the grocery store. Um the only time I see chicken is wrapped up in saran or see chicken is wrapped up in saran or see chicken is wrapped up in saran or plastic wrap. um it we don't get things plastic wrap. um it we don't get things plastic wrap. um it we don't get things directly from the field anymore and we directly from the field anymore and we directly from the field anymore and we forget that the field is the source of forget that the field is the source of forget that the field is the source of our sustenance just like it was for our sustenance just like it was for our sustenance just like it was for Israel Israel Israel >> and we think things like locust plagues >> and we think things like locust plagues >> and we think things like locust plagues in far away places are only really on in far away places are only really on in far away places are only really on our television. Um, but I think our television. Um, but I think our television. Um, but I think hopefully we're becoming more and more hopefully we're becoming more and more hopefully we're becoming more and more aware in this combination of global

aware in this combination of global aware in this combination of global supply chains and g growing threats of supply chains and g growing threats of supply chains and g growing threats of climate change. Uh, we're starting to climate change. Uh, we're starting to climate change. Uh, we're starting to see more clearly that nobody is an see more clearly that nobody is an see more clearly that nobody is an island. island. island. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But that natural >> But that natural >> But that natural disasters and and other calamities, some disasters and and other calamities, some disasters and and other calamities, some of them not natural, can impact us, all of them not natural, can impact us, all of them not natural, can impact us, all of us. So we need to be aware of and of us. So we need to be aware of and of us. So we need to be aware of and support our brothers and sisters not support our brothers and sisters not support our brothers and sisters not just Christians all fellow human beings just Christians all fellow human beings just Christians all fellow human beings >> in their times of catastrophe uh since >> in their times of catastrophe uh since >> in their times of catastrophe uh since those catastrophes can affect us and in those catastrophes can affect us and in those catastrophes can affect us and in fact we're seeing now that some of these fact we're seeing now that some of these fact we're seeing now that some of these same cat it's not just uh a secondary same cat it's not just uh a secondary same cat it's not just uh a secondary ripple effect that's going to affect us ripple effect that's going to affect us ripple effect that's going to affect us but we can be facing some of the same but we can be facing some of the same but we can be facing some of the same things. So the the whole idea of the things. So the the whole idea of the things. So the the whole idea of the natural world and human beings and our natural world and human beings and our natural world and human beings and our interplay with each other, Joel, shows interplay with each other, Joel, shows interplay with each other, Joel, shows us how important that is. And I think we us how important that is. And I think we us how important that is. And I think we need to be aware of that because the need to be aware of that because the need to be aware of that because the fall did not just affect humans and fall did not just affect humans and fall did not just affect humans and their relationship with God. It affected their relationship with God. It affected their relationship with God. It affected humans in relationship to each other uh humans in relationship to each other uh humans in relationship to each other uh and to nature. And we're reaping some of and to nature. And we're reaping some of and to nature. And we're reaping some of the results of some of the the bad the results of some of the the bad the results of some of the the bad decisions we've made in the past.

decisions we've made in the past. decisions we've made in the past. I'm so glad that you ended with that I'm so glad that you ended with that I'm so glad that you ended with that because it's true. This book, unlike because it's true. This book, unlike because it's true. This book, unlike many of the others that we've read so many of the others that we've read so many of the others that we've read so far, has a heavy focus on the natural far, has a heavy focus on the natural far, has a heavy focus on the natural world. Um, it's it's the first time, I world. Um, it's it's the first time, I world. Um, it's it's the first time, I think, since Exodus that we've seen think, since Exodus that we've seen think, since Exodus that we've seen plague, you know, in this case, locust plague, you know, in this case, locust plague, you know, in this case, locust come back up. So, I'm I'm I'm so glad come back up. So, I'm I'm I'm so glad come back up. So, I'm I'm I'm so glad that we ended with a focus on that. Dr. that we ended with a focus on that. Dr. that we ended with a focus on that. Dr. Baker, thank you so much for helping us Baker, thank you so much for helping us Baker, thank you so much for helping us navigate through the book of Joel. I navigate through the book of Joel. I navigate through the book of Joel. I really appreciate it. Would you mind really appreciate it. Would you mind really appreciate it. Would you mind closing us out by praying for closing us out by praying for closing us out by praying for the listeners right now as they maybe the listeners right now as they maybe the listeners right now as they maybe read Joel for the first time? Maybe they read Joel for the first time? Maybe they read Joel for the first time? Maybe they want to go back to it now after want to go back to it now after want to go back to it now after listening to this. Um listening to this. Um listening to this. Um would you wrap us up in prayer? would you wrap us up in prayer? would you wrap us up in prayer? >> I sure can. Shall we pray? Father, we do >> I sure can. Shall we pray? Father, we do >> I sure can. Shall we pray? Father, we do thank you for your love which is thank you for your love which is thank you for your love which is manifested in so many ways, so many manifested in so many ways, so many manifested in so many ways, so many times, so many places. We thank you for times, so many places. We thank you for times, so many places. We thank you for your revelation to your revelation to your revelation to your people in the Old Testament and the your people in the Old Testament and the your people in the Old Testament and the New Testament and also through them to New Testament and also through them to New Testament and also through them to us. Thank you also for the gift of your us. Thank you also for the gift of your us. Thank you also for the gift of your spirit which doesn't just come on the spirit which doesn't just come on the spirit which doesn't just come on the select few but on all those who turn to select few but on all those who turn to select few but on all those who turn to you. And we pray for each one of us as you. And we pray for each one of us as you. And we pray for each one of us as we're seeking your will that we might we're seeking your will that we might we're seeking your will that we might not neglect the minor prophets but to not neglect the minor prophets but to not neglect the minor prophets but to see some of the major points about you see some of the major points about you see some of the major points about you and about ourselves that we can see in and about ourselves that we can see in and about ourselves that we can see in them.

them. them. And we do pray for those who are being And we do pray for those who are being And we do pray for those who are being impacted by calamities or they're impacted by calamities or they're impacted by calamities or they're natural or human caused these days. Help natural or human caused these days. Help natural or human caused these days. Help us not to see them just as something us not to see them just as something us not to see them just as something that's happening on our TV screen, but that's happening on our TV screen, but that's happening on our TV screen, but that these are our fellow human beings that these are our fellow human beings that these are our fellow human beings that are suffering. And we pray for each that are suffering. And we pray for each that are suffering. And we pray for each of these situations and show us how we of these situations and show us how we of these situations and show us how we can be your hands and feet. Thank you can be your hands and feet. Thank you can be your hands and feet. Thank you for this time together in name of our for this time together in name of our for this time together in name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.