Joel 2

What You Would Rather

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

Here it seems at this time that there's nothing too hard for the Lord once again whether it be the army, the reapers, or the situation most terrible. Indeed, what of it then if the Lord should so call these as reapers then into his vineyard instead. Should there be any cause then for him to be wroth with his children. Perhaps you might know in person or then just in sum of how the Lord had once come as a nobleman into a far country to hire out men for his vineyard. He'd, as the story had said of the kingdom, given each of them an agreed upon wage for sharing the heat and length of the day. Though when it came time for accounting for rather all these at the first had muttered as though some wrong had been done intended or said then again. Indeed, was a penny of that time too small a thing for the agreed upon price for the vineyards of sin. Certainly, to reapers such as these it wouldn't have seemed in the end. Then again what of the tares which had grown up as among those he had not really planted. Of course such a thing sounds silly really, truly , and then. Then again were any of these too small a thing just to bring the Great King. Indeed, the trumpet sound would've indicated there once time and again as in days gone by very much rather that the hills and valleys would've been filled with the sound of the gleaning. Between a cause for alarm and a solemn assembly or just that of the feast days and harvests much rather, hearing such a sound as this now then truly would've been a bad omen indeed. You know, sort of like a sign of the coming of trouble or casualty rather especially in the face of those chewing clawing things what with all their scuttles and scampering that had so far gone off as reapers then into his vineyard or perhaps they just weren't once again but rather an enemy under command then just from him. Indeed, were the heavens ever to declare of the glory then these things here such as the darkness and gloominess and thick darkness besides would much rather be as the coming of morning. He's out sun of righteousness is he not with healing in his wings is he not both time and again no matter what has happened, where as or when. The only thing then that'll matter is his appearance at hand not our own personal woes and troubles and those that've not ceased from the desolation. Should there ever be a time in our history, it's a one such as this in all the ages of men when God the Father and his Son have come once again. Then too there's nothing more important than this or one greater in the hearts and lives of all men.

An Army Prepared

3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

I don't know about you but there's something awfully strange to be seen here in the text. It's even that of the natural progression that comes just before the day of the Lord. Consider this if you will that all these had become now his warriors as well. Consider this if you will perhaps just the day had brought forth or that of the evening just to do his good will. Has he not said time and again that his Word would not return to him void but would accomplish all he put it to, even the thoughts and intents of the heart. Indeed, it's sharper than any two edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, a revealer of secrets and everything that's hidden instead. Then too how many know of the strength like eagles wings with which those who wait on the Lord will mount up on once again. Indeed, as the Scripture has said, they will run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint then in the midst. It seems there's then the providing of God for his children. Perhaps you don't know it, see it, feel it, or believe it just yet. Still though the goodness of God has come back to his house once again. He's seen here as the leader and mover in the hearts and lives of all men. Much as Pharoah's army had chariots and horses of which these had trusted in time and again, now the only thing to be seen were instead a trust in their God in particular. Nor was their God just dead or gone missing, having abandoned his post as the locusts of Revelation once had so done. Indeed, they had a king over them but now was it certain or maybe just only the Lord. That's why when he's rewriting your story, you've got to make double sure that he's the one that's been leading you. The people too have suffered at the appearance of thus almost as the army the Lord had then sent in their midst. Consider too though after judgment, after the rains have come and then gone, there's very much a barrenness spoken of as unto God's people. The dry ground comes creeping in then almost as those without Christ our very best friend. Did he not promise too that he'd come upon these that slept in darkness unawares almost as a thief in the darkness would've then. Whether these are but children of him is unknown at this point in time truly. It's an army though for sure that he has assembled and as of just now is but unto him for only he could've dealt with them time and again. Indeed, our God is a consuming fire in the midst and so too is his Word sharper than any two-edged sword to the dividing of the thoughts and intents of the heart no matter where you'd be, have started, or so too would rather end up.

In his Temple

10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

See, is it not as of just now that our God is rewriting their story. Even now you could say he's redeeming his people again. It's his army is it not now if you'd only stop to remember whether of this same ones or another people in general. He's the same one wouldn't he who made the lame walk, the dumb speak, the deaf to hear, and above all a restorer of sight to the blind. I mean, why wouldn't he raise up these stones unto Abraham proper. It shall then be that no matter how the Lord deals with his mercies, whether us still or just that of his people, he'll bring forth the remnant again. That is to say those whom he's kept then instead. Even if these look like they'd been swallowed up as they go, it's our God who would know indeed even down to the keeping his people along with the hearts and lives of all men. It seems too at such a time as this that the Lord who changes all things is in our midst once again. You know, he's got to utter his voice at such a time as this truly because without it, there'd be no focus, no vision, no purpose at all and certainly no joy of which that comes in the morning as well. The earth too trembles at the sound of his voice and all others who'd obey him just to do his good pleasure. Still it might be oppressed now for a time yet before him who'd made them all very much so, these things will be unmade once again. In the light of his power and his glory, there will be rest to be had for these then. Whether misused for a time, whether in a situation, whether burned up now or then later, there remains a refreshing for all of God's people. You might not see it just yet for the judgement which has gathered and come before all that you'd saw. Though when our God is doing a new thing in the midst, it's hard to stay focused on all the other stuff that's been so visible now isn't it then. Only he could turn things around for his grace and glory that so do appear be it of our own making or no that we'd seen. Even so he makes all our days to ring with his praise not because we're so fine, wonderful and such and all types of people or that we'd done something in general but because of his Son. Leave it up for the Lord though; only he can make that valley live once again.

Entreated With Still

12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

At such a time as this now it's just best to have a return on back to the Lord. Don't look at me like that now in particular. As the old gospel song would've put it best that to 'have a family prayer' would've come after the test. Indeed, it's not as though you're excluded from prayer, is it again, nor still yet that a return to the Lord then would bring. See, just when you're wanting him most, though perhaps feeling sorely tested and bested almost as though God in his righteousness would never be holy again. What madness is this truly aside from that of a right perspective of him. Though still the Lord's bringing something from out of desolation then and the muck and the mire and the clay. God's forming something in you even now that you in your condition haven't perceived or even thought to this day. Indeed, he'll be found hen we seek for him with our whole heart there as unto him only so as and then. For there's none else that will do truly but then only of him. It seems though that should the fasting, weeping, and mourning appear it's all just a part of the seek unto God. You know, it's always been this way hasn't it ever since the beginning of time. When you're seeking the Lord it's always a look unto him. That's something that Moses never could do even with the Lord on his side for a heal all the people then with just a glance at the serpent lifted up as he'd said once before. My, seeing your idols lifted up would spare many from disaster then certainly with all but to look to him then in the end. It's in times like these though that we should rest on his sure mercies instead. You know in all this it's an appeal to his nature as unto this our very best Friend. Then too, consider this as in Hebrews, that of Christ our high priest with whom we'd consider. Notice the meat and drink offering to be left then with care In the house of the Lord so as then there. Whether to say the people have been left as the tithes is sure an interesting question instead. Though in Christ our high priest is the order of Melchisedec perfected. Though when it comes down it it truly these are all things we're fit to bring the great King. Why then at such a time as this are we receiving in general but for the no life in ourselves when we should be giving as well.

Gathered Together

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Indeed, it's almost time now for the feast of the Lord. Though it's not a feast really then is it for at this time there's a whole lot of other things that are in need of attention. It's time for the Bridegroom isn't it even that of the Lord. You know, how that in one of the prophecies it tells how that the priests would be seen weeping between the house of the Lord and the altar in general and that too how the bridegroom and the bride would be altogether suffering. Well, perhaps suffering isn't the right word to use in the midst, but just consider calling a wedding at such a time as this. Then too imagine trying to officiate it in such conditions as this. That is why as in Hosea, you'd better make double sure that the Lord is your portion and not just as unto man then in full. See the trouble so often came in the seeking of other things and where it had come to there in the midst. As the case so often was with Babylon, the mystery woman in Revelation, or just others that so had forgotten the Lord was their wandering off as without him in their midst. It just so happened then that the trumpet blast signalled the coming of judgement, a feast, or perhaps just some danger approaching. In any case, you and I have best associated these with the soon coming of God. As Scripture has put it he'll be returning with a shout, the voice of an archangel and with the trump of God. So then is gathering here in such a condition too small a thing then to offer him as a person. Indeed, at such a time as this whether in blessing or disaster much rather it's best just to seek unto God. In death even should we still seek him though I hope very much that is not soon to happen. As the text says he's merciful much rather to remember his people. So too do the priests seek him much rather as those that are engaged very much in the service of man then in general though with our God he rules over all that is certain. It seems then a most logical extension of our days just to praise for he's the same one who orders them as unto him.

The Bridegroom Restored

18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

It seems then that the Lord indeed has just returned to his land. It's his isn't it just as it's been all along. You can talk about the claims of some all you please but at the end of the day it's him they'll answer to really. The jealousy though as some would've liked to have put it comes very much just from an improper seeing of God in the midst. The jealousy that comes from the Lord very much isn't as men would've counted it though. In fact, it's far more of a who've you been living with recently in light of the holiness that brooks no others and suffers not for his children when it comes to their danger. Indeed, how often does he have to pull us out of our own sin much as the Shepherd did his lost little lamb or as the Mosaic law had commanded when one of oxen or donkeys or just a tool for the plowing had fallen into a ditch then on after. Suffice to say it should've been pulled out then instead rather than to trust these to time and the weather just because it was the Sabbath and these had known better. For the Lord as our bridegroom is thusly appearing, and not unto man who so often must suffer or so too can't do no better as this without the Lord's providing then truly far be it from these to have suffered a person. These though are such comforting statements for the same God who knows us so also sees us then truly. So too does he know all and also care for his people. Then too is the provision enough as a true husband would also consider so in being good to his people. The reproach then that follows isn't enough for these as a nation to still be allowed to carry with the Lord then on forward for he's very much not interested in leaving his people here just to suffer or rather in making his name a disgrace to the nations. The creatures too have so suffered in all this a long with the people. Though as Isaiah had said do we not know or have we not considered just the name of the Lord. It's provider to us isn't it time and again and to all such as would just trust in him. Seeing God in his glory is just a cure for this perspective then with all that it matters to these as a person. Then too can you but know of what he speaks here truly except that some are as regarding the persons. How often does man do that as well though the Lord regardeth not any but those that are doing his will. Though it very much remains to be seen how that God is removing unfaithfulness from the house and driving it yet away as though he were merely delivering his people from it instead and a leaving of them to all of those righteous shepherds who'd with him in peace then to dwell. For it seems that his throne is founded in righteousness is it not and also upon his faithfulness to us-ward instead. Indeed, how good is it this setting all things right of his Son. Someone try not to shout now, there's better days coming instead.

The Husbandman Found

21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Even now he's doing a new thing, if we'd only perceive it as of streams in the desert and an intending of all things yet to happen. Indeed, if only our perception and expectation would match up with his then instead but as it so often happens we've known too much where we'd been. Here though there's a tree no matter where bearing fruit as one planted by the rivers of water much as the righteous does instead whose fruit is in it's own season and whatsoever it doeth will prosper as well. The fig tree also is bearing in expectation of what all will happen which for this to happen considering what he'd once cursed for not having fruit in an evening is nothing more short of a miracle there. In fact, should anyone know anything of husbandry or also of trees it's that these things just don't happen then naturally save outside a season appointed. Though the Lord very much here is making it rain all the time, though it doesn't mean as floods to be found in his love then for sure. Definitely he's not as though something terribly evil should happen or thus far the judgement to come upon those of his children. It's almost as though he should be returning back to his people. I mean, at such a time as this and now after how long it should be though will not all this fade just in the light of his Son. He hasn't suffered any to perish now has he not after so long. Indeed, he's restoring all things back just in the light of his Son. You know, the former and latter rains would be just as before for there was nothing but his providing in them just as he had promised his people. Should it be then that there's an unusual provision it's just then that of a return of his people. As Isaiah had said, how often will he had we but turned then in prayer with a 'Lord forgive me and so help your people.' It is seen as in this then that such prayers uttered he will definitely heal. As with all things really will he not forgive the sin and heal the land and so too will he not be found of his people. The providing and all things sure are nice really but there's nothing better than just a seeing the Lord. It's his face then is it not before whom all that's made so will flee with sickness having ceased then in general and all other bad things we'd had to happen. At this point, the feasting sure sounds nice in his house but just consider this of whom who's called us as unto himself. It's enough to make anyone run isn't it or just a return home then instead.

Being Brought Unto

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Though the army might have been sent from the Lord yet still his mercy avails to those who'd use it then really or just to come to him then so there. Even should the enemy be but of our own making a person or where it's all our own fault. Even there shall our God find us and bring us back home once more then to him. Even when we've run from him in the midst and abandoned him time and again yet he remains as faithful who follows this eternal captain of our own salvation instead. My, it seems only our God could do such a thing time and again as the Pharisees had so often complained only he had the power to forgive all of sins so that if you are say a devouring creature then in general or just plain cantankerous or stubborn or lazy or whatever else that you're currently being, our God is able to break you loose from those same old patterns and destructive powers of the thinking. Only he then can restore in the light of the morning. My goodness, after so long it sure is nice to see light in the morning even that of his own glory and grace in particular. For this then will the praises come forth from the people just that they're seeing good days as in plenty before. Though indeed with him nothing has changed but the hearts and lives of all men. So then it seems only he can reverse the curse and undo the damage caused by these on the whole. Certainly, that's where some healing is needed from these things that have happened. Well might the Lord just now be laying claim to his people when they were his all along such that they'd seen. Still though how much rather should we not trust him and just to do his good will. Though with it has the jealousy faded and the secret shame along with it as One who's taken everything on back to the cross and borne them all there as though by whose stripes we are healed from the first but so as have only now ceased from the sinning then later. Though perhaps not yet perfect such as it seems but still rather oh to follow him still as with a whole heart and nothing divided besides it of course. For then will our God be known to his people as the only besides then all else as well. Is he not the so as to our Boaz of Ruth though what'll be seen then is anyone's guess truly.

Forth From the Lord

28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.

32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

My, how we'd need his Spirit at such times as these truly. It's troubled times in which we'd live today just as it was back in that day certainly. Indeed, with the sun turning to darkness and the moon into blood it seems indeed there's but a ruling of above that's required then as well. Indeed, it's an overruling in all things that we'd now see then for sure. Perhaps there's iniquity to be found in the heavens, some darkness or terrors within. It was troubled days back in that time also just without catching sight of a vision or seeing all this. Consider if you will hearing such a Word. Though perhaps maybe there's not unrighteousness to be found up above and certainly none with that of the Lord. That' just to say there's no other than him truly that you'd find so faithful or true in all that you'd go through down here now below. Though with uncertain times such as these and in the light of his power and glory it's no wonder anything's shaken then really. I mean what with the judgement and all that's coming, whether there's wonders, blood, fire, or pillars of smoke or no truly. My, it seems to me I remember these things then as of the blood of the Lamb which speaks for us all both now and back then. Then too he treads forth the nations as the winepress of his fury and indignation for deep is the cup of the Lord from which these have drunk. The fire too is not something strange but merely as unto the Lord, though before him he's a consuming fire is he not who drives all other things away with just the breath of his Word. Indeed, he's the one who calls to naught those things which are so that no flesh may glory in his presence. Then too from nothing these things spring forth once again as what's been called into being. The smoke also was a sign of his presence before as a cloud which went before all the people much rather throughout their desert experience. How much more though in our day should we not just much rather listen and obey. Then too in Revelation does it refer to the smoke of their burning especially where Babylon was concerned and just those that once had forgotten the Lord. Indeed, what a price it is to go our own way. Though that's not the important thing truly for deliverance has come back to the house of the Lord, in the form of himself once again. The whole central focus isn't on the visions and dreams but rather a seeing of God in his purpose with the glory to follow after later as a full return to his temple is now in the making. It's important to see that the text mentions a remnant as those left over or set apart to him and in need of a Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, and all of his person.