Book 29 - Joel

Extremely rare to declare, The Book of Joel might be appreciated for its powerful message of judgment and hope, especially its vivid depiction of the "Day of the Lord" and its promise of the Holy Spirit's outpouring.

The inclusion of this penning as the 29th - short yet significant - volume in the classic KJV collection serves as a vital reminder of God's response to genuine repentance, as well as the consequences of sin. ("not doing what we know to be right.")

The book opens with a devastating locust plague, which Joel uses to describe a future "Day of the Lord" of judgment. Joel calls for heartfelt repentance - "rend your hearts not your garments" - to perfect oneself so as to avert God's wrath.

Following the call for repentance, Joel shifts to promises of restoration, abundance, and mercy from God. He assures his audience that God's compassion is greater than his judgment.

The book contains the famous prophecy: "it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh" (Joel 2:28). This promise is seen as a pivotal moment in scripture, as Peter quotes it in his sermon on Pentecost in the book of Acts, marking a new era of God's presence with His people - or those qualifying for His grace & forgiveness -- "by their fruits shall ye know them" ~ or ~ "faith without works is dead."

In short, whilst ... short ... this book uses vivid imagery and powerful poetic language to convey its message of judgment, repentance, and hope. Its structure clearly divides the warning of judgment from the promise of obedience forever being the straight and narrow path...

Few there be - now or then - who find it?