Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

LOCUST IN THE LAND Joel was quoted by at least two other famous Bible personalities. The prophet Amos opens his book by quoting Joel then closes it with another quotation from Joel. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, based his whole sermon on a portion of Joel's writing. This prophet of Judah was highly regarded for his strong spiritual fervor during the sordid years of Israel's fall. Little is known of Joel's background other than he was of the tribe of Reuben. Pethuel, his father, probably lived in Beth-Haran, and Joel may have known Hosea. We know he told Judah that the plagues from which they had recently suffered had come as a consequence of their sins against God. Joel also gave a vivid description of the Day of Judgment and called the people to prayer. His plea was, "Tear your heart, and not your garments...." This referred to the outward display of sorrow the Jews often used without any real inward change. Such shallow repentance meant nothing and soon they went back to their old sins. Many in our day make outward moves toward religion but have merely torn their garments and not their hearts. Others have taken the real step to sincere repentance and found that God indeed restores those wasted years when the locusts of sin and sorrow gnawed at their lives. Despite its warnings, the book of Joel is a book of hope for those who are sincere. God is still seeking men who sincerely seek Him.