THE LORD WILL ANSWER
Text: Joel 2
8 February 2009
(I) THE REPLY OF GOD IN ANSWER TO OUR CRIES
1. A reply is to be sought in prayer
a) We seek a reply through applying of our faith in God in the midst of suffering
b) Not only to get through the dire circumstances
c) To be able to look beyond the destruction and anguish…to God’s answer
d) There would come a great sense of hope for the future
2. The promise of an answer
“The LORD will answer and say to His people…” Joel 2:19
a) An assured answer
b) A national answer for a national crisis
3. Reasons for the Lord to answer us
a) The zeal of the Lord
“Then the LORD will be zealous for His land…” Joel 2:18
b) The pity of the Lord
“…And pity His people.” Joel 2:18
(II) RELENTING OF THE LORD’S JUDGMENT
1. A reproach no more
“…Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.” Joel 2:19
2. Removal of that which was used for judgment
“But I will remove far from you the northern army, And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, With his face toward the eastern sea And his back toward the western sea; His stench will come up, And his foul odour will rise, Because he has done monstrous things.” Joel 2:20
(III) RESTORATION OF THE BLESSING OF THE LORD
1. Restoration due to the Lord’s faithfulness to us
“…For He has given you the former rain faithfully…” Joel 2:23
2. The restoration of the Lord’s blessings
“…And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.” Joel 2:23-24
3. Restoration of that which was taken away
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25
4. Restoration of plenty
“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied…” Joel 2:26
(IV) RESPONSES TO THE LORD’S ANSWER
1. Overcoming of fear with joy
“Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the LORD has done marvellous things!” Joel 2:21 “Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength. Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God…” Joel 2:22-23
2. Hope of full satisfaction
“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied…” Joel 2:26
3. We will yet praise the Lord’s name
“…And praise the name of the LORD your God…” Joel 2:26
4. No longer ashamed
“…Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.” Joel 2:26
(V) RENEWAL OF RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD
“Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.” Joel 2:27
1. There is hope of a renewed appreciation in knowing the Lord
2. A renewed intimacy between God and man…His presence is in the midst of Israel
3. The Lord stands as our God
4. To be regarded as the Lord’s people again