1. A word from the LORD

a) “‘Now, therefore,’ says the LORD”

This word came from the LORD God Himself.

b) “Turn to Me with all your heart”

i) It was still possible to turn to God.

ii) If this word came from the LORD, then there was yet hope.

iii) But there must be a genuine return to the LORD from the heart.

c) “With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning”

i) These expressions would be appropriate.

ii) They would represent genuine repentance.

2. A word from Joel

a) “So rend your heart, and not your garments”

i) Joel was familiar with the religious expressions of expressing sorrow.

ii) It would feature the rending of the garments.

iii) But the focus was on the tearing of the heart and not the garments!

b) “Return to the LORD your God”

i) There must be great consciousness of the LORD their God.

ii) The return must be to the LORD Himself.

c) A vital reminder of the divine attributes of the LORD God.

i) He is gracious and merciful.

ii) He is slow to anger and of great kindness.

iii) And He will relent from doing harm.

We are reminded of what God said about Himself when He spoke to Moses (Exodus 34:6-7)