We today notice Joel 2:12-17, a true “call to repentance.”
The Lord Himself is inviting His people to return to Him!
In fact, the key verb of the whole Text is “shub” in Hebrew, the major “repent” verb of the Old Testament.
Twice God beseeches (actually commands) Israel (or Judah, depending on the date one assigns to Joel) “to turn” back to Him. Verses 12 and 13 record the Lord’s Words: “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn (“shub”) ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn (“shub”) unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
Then “shub” appears a third time in the Paragraph, at verse 14: “Who knoweth if he (God) will return (“shub”) and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?”
In other words, as I understand this … if we will “turn” from our sins … God then well may “turn” from His planned judgment!
Also some things seem to accompany such repentance, verse 12 again: fasting and weeping and mourning, true heartfelt contrition! What one BELIEVES, one DOES!
Another interesting facet of the Text … “Who knoweth if the Lord … will leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?” Verse 14, Wow! Here God leaves them gifts … that they can immediately return to Him in worship! Thrilling, astounding! We actually DO gave back to Him (in tithes, for example) what he has recently given us! And that’s the way God intended it to be!
Then (in verse 16) a convocation is called, an old fashioned “Revival” type Meeting! “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.” To collectively repent, to confess sins, to seek God’s Face!
Then the Preachers (Priests, since we’re in the Old Testament) are given work to do. “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach.” What a prayer! Do see that they are given the exact words to use! (As in … “After this manner pray ye,” the Lord’s Prayer!)
Intercessory prayer, seeking God on behalf of others!
Lastly, watch the unique “argument” used (assigned) in this petition. It is not … “Bless us for our sakes, O Lord!” But rather … “Bless us for Thy Sake, O Lord!”
Verbatim, the last of verse 17: “Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” Lest God’s Holy Name be denigrated!
Yes, this is a classic call to repentance.
A warning other Nations would be well-advised to pray!
Including ours.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell