In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
JOEL
The Book of Joel is the second of the twelve books of the
Minor
Prophets in the Old Testament. The name Joel comes from the Hebrew word Yoel meaning, “God prevails”, or “the Lord is God”. Biblical scripture
is not specific about the time of Joel’s ministry. Because of the
historical context of events and his writing style, many scholars place
his ministry during the reign of Joash over Judah c. 835-796 BC.
Obadiah, c. 845-841 BC, preceded Joel as being the oldest prophet. The
prophecies of Obadiah, Joel,
Jonah, Amos,
Hosea, Isaiah and
Micah
overlapped in an era from c. 845-670 BC.
Joel ministered during a time when God had brought judgment upon
Judah in the form of a locust plague and drought. Joel emphasized God’s
power over nature to bring judgment. He used this occasion to call Judah
to repentance and to prophesy a greater calamity of judgment to come
upon the people and Gentile nations at the end of time for their
rejection of God. God’s judgment will be far more intense at the end of
time. It will culminate at the battle of Armageddon
in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
Joel also reminded the people of God’s love for them. God would show
mercy on anyone, Jew or Gentile; whoever calls on His name shall be
saved. He would also pour out His spirit, which initially occurred on
the day Pentecost as noted by Peter more than 800 years later. The final
fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy will occur at the second coming of Jesus
Christ, the Messiah. It will mark the great and terrible day of the Lord
in which no one will be able to endure. Christ will judge all nations
for their rebellion against God and He will save Jerusalem and redeem a
remnant of Israel for eternity.
We are living in the last days. All prophecy has been fulfilled for
the great and terrible day of Lord to occur in our time. Those who have
called on the name of Christ for salvation will be out of harms way.
Joel 1: Prior judgment of locust and drought; imminent judgment of
invasion; God’s call to repentance
Joel 2-3: Jews return to Israel; Valley of Jehoshaphat (battle of
Armageddon); the redemption of
Israel