God’s Word of Spiritual Renewal
Introduction
Joel 2:18-32: The prophet conveys the Lord’s promise to restore the land and bless the people. God promises to send his Spirit upon all the people.
Scripture Reading
God Restores Fertility to the Land
18Then the Lord showed concern for his land;
he had mercy on his people.
19He answered them:
“Now I am going to give you
grain and wine and olive oil,
and you will be satisfied.
Other nations will no longer despise you.
20I will remove the locust army that came from the north
and will drive some of them into the desert.
Their front ranks will be driven into the Dead Sea,
their rear ranks into the Mediterranean.
Their dead bodies will stink.
I will destroy them because of all they have done to you.
21“Fields, don’t be afraid,
but be joyful and glad
because of all the Lord has done for you.
22Animals, don’t be afraid.
The pastures are green;
the trees bear their fruit,
and there are plenty of figs and grapes.
23“Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you.
He has given you the right amount of autumn rain;
he has poured down the winter rain for you
and the spring rain as before.
24The threshing places will be full of grain;
the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.
25I will give you back what you lost
in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops.
It was I who sent this army against you.
26Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied.
You will praise the Lord your God,
who has done wonderful things for you.
My people will never be despised again.
27Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you
and that I, the Lord, am your God
and there is no other.
My people will never be despised again.
The Day of the Lord
28 “Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone:
your sons and daughters will proclaim my message;
your old people will have dreams,
and your young people will see visions.
29At that time I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants, both men and women.
30“I will give warnings of that day
in the sky and on the earth;
there will be bloodshed, fire, and clouds of smoke.
31 The sun will be darkened,
and the moon will turn red as blood
before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
32 But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved.
As the Lord has said,
‘Some in Jerusalem will escape;
those whom I choose will survive.’”
Today’s Key Verse: Joel 2:32a
All who ask the LORD for help will be saved.
Reflect
What does God promise to do (verses 18-27)? In yesterday’s reading, the day of the LORD was described as “a dark and gloomy day” (2:2). In today’s reading, how is the day of the LORD described (verses 28-32)? In what ways has God’s Spirit impacted your life? What does today’s reading teach you about God?
Pray
Almighty God, with a joyful heart I thank you for your blessings and rejoice because of all you have done for me. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Empower me to proclaim your message of love and mercy. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Acts 1:1-26: Jesus is taken up to heaven.