Joel's Vision of Hope

Michelangelo Buonarroti,

“And afterward,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions."

(from Joel 2:23-32)

Why did God let this happen?

This past summer we experienced a record-breaking drought destroying fields of grain.

Devastating rainstorms followed with flash floods demolishing people’s homes.

Camp Mystic, a girls' camp on the Guadalupe River was hit in the middle of the night among devastating floods, killing 27 campers and counselors.

Clearly, we are in trouble as these natural disasters disrupt our daily lives.

The prophet Joel was asking the same question.

There was a violent invasion of locusts destroying people’s livelihood as the creatures laid waste to the crops.

A devastating fire swept the land devouring pastures and trees.

These disasters have caused severe financial and spiritual distress.

All this, Joel says, is punishment for not following God’s commandments.

We are suffering because we have been disobedient.

There will be a Day of the Lord.

On the coming Day of the Lord, God will intervene judging the wicked and blessing the righteous.

Therefore, people repent, turn again to God with fasting, weeping and mourning.

God’s Merciful Promise!

Joel then speaks the word of the Lord:

Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
because he is faithful.

And

Then afterward
    I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.

This is a vision of hope.

During the coming drought, our faithful God will send the autumn rains.

No matter the calamity we are facing or living through, God will restore and bless the faithful.

Thanks be to God for this vision of hope!!!

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