Read the Book: Summer Bible Planনমুনা

JOEL 2:28-31, JOEL 3:16 - THE DAY CYCLES CEASE Now we find ourselves in the middle of summer, and as the warm air is filled with the perfume of flowers and the corn fields begin to yield their crops, we are reminded of just how accustomed we are to transition. We have every expectation that nature will continue to shift, season after season. After all, the only thing that is constant is change. We fill our planners out months in advance with work meetings, vacations, birthday parties... and while preparation for life is good and often wise, Joel 2:30-31 gives us a sobering picture of a future day when cycles will cease with a sobering pause. “I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” While this verse and its imagery are terrifying, we must humbly accept the impending reality of the return of Christ that will establish His fully-realized Kingdom on this earth. Thankfully, the Lord also speaks a word of reassurance to His children. In Joel 3:16, our Good Father promises that, “the earth and heavens will tremble, but the Lord will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” In light of these promises, we as followers of Jesus don’t have to be fearful, but rather set our hearts on the glorious day when Jesus Christ will finally come to reign in complete power and majesty. Let us live every day in anticipation of that glorious day. Family Connection: Joel was called to tell the people of Judah to repent and give hope to those who would turn back toward God. Get a pitcher of juice and explain this represents God’s goodness. Pour the juice onto an upside-down cup. If we want to be filled with the goodness of God we need to turn toward Him (turn the cup right-side-up). This is repentance--to turn toward God!