Daily Devotions
Joel
"The day of the LORD is at hand"
Text: Joel 1:15
THE DAY OF THE LORD
This was a common phrase used by the prophets of the LORD. The underlying thought behind this phrase is that of divine judgment.
“Alas for the day!
For the day of the LORD is at hand;
It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.
Is not the food cut off before our eyes,
Joy and gladness from the house of our God?”
Joel 1:15-16
1. “Alas for the day”
a) This was a lament expressed.
b) It was solemnly and urgently expressed.
2. “For the day of the LORD is at hand”
a) Joel felt strongly that the day of divine judgment was close.
b) He could not specify exactly when that day of judgment would actually take place though.
c) But it felt really close.
3. “It shall come as destruction from the Almighty”
a) Destruction
i) To the nation.
ii) To the royal family.
iii) To individuals.
iv) Also, to the temple of the LORD.
b) From the Almighty
i) He has ordained this.
ii) Enemy forces would be allowed to invade and destroy the nation.
4. “Is not the food cut off before our eyes”
a) The signs of the day of the Lord were unmistakable.
b) Basic food supplies were cut off.
c) The nation was starving.
d) The national locust disaster just made things even more difficult.
5. “Joy and gladness from the house of our God”
The house of the LORD was meant to generate joy and gladness. But these blessings were no longer there.
This was another indication that the Lord’s presence was not in His house anymore.