Book of Joel Structure and Message

Message of Joel

The Day of the LORD will be a time of terrible judgment from God, but the LORD will deliver His people who repent from the heart and call on Him

Definition of the "Day of the LORD"- A time in which God decisively invades human history to punish sin, purify His people and set things right (God’s kingdom)

• The Day of the LORD will begin with a terrible judgment
• Joel compares the coming judgment to an unprecedented locust invasion. 1:1-20
• Joel describes the invading army of the Day of the LORD in "locust terms." 2:1-17
• Joel describes its Judgment as a war in which God intervenes and fights 3.1-17
• The purpose of the prophecy is to bring people to repentance so they will be saved.
• The proper response is to gather, mourn, fast and pray (turn to God alone). 1:13-14,19
• Repentance must be heartfelt and appeal to God's gracious character. 2:12-14
• Repentance must be both private (individual) and public. 2:16-17
• Repentance is an acknowledgement of who God is and the authority He has over our lives. 2:27, 3:17
• The judgment of the Day of the LORD will usher in the blessings of God's Kingdom
• Sin is judged before blessing is poured out. 3.17
• God's rule will be a time of blessing, peace, prosperity, justice and safety. 3:18-21
• The greatest blessing of the Day of the LORD is God's presence.
• God's people will enter the kingdom based on God's forgiveness of their sins. 3:20-21