Joel 3:16-17 - Gracious God

Scripture:

Joel 3:16-17
16 The Lord roars from Zion
And utters His voice from Jerusalem,
And the heavens and the earth tremble.
But the Lord is a refuge for His people
And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.
17 Then you will know that I am the Lord your God,
Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain.
So Jerusalem will be holy,
And strangers will pass through it no more.
NASU


Thoughts:

Though Joel has prophesied the judgment of God against Israel, he is also prophesying its later restoration.  Jerusalem would be returned to its people (verse 17), Israel.

What a wonderful God who does not give up on people, even when they are in rebellion.  As Joel wrote these words, the nation was still under condemnation.  In fact, the judgment had not yet come.  But God already was looking forward to a time of blessing.  When the nation would repent, and He would restore them.

This reminds me of what is referred to as God's other-ness from us.  That He is so different from us.  After all, it would not be unfair of God in human reasoning, to simply let His rebellious people continue on in their own way.  In fact, we would generally think of this as fair.  They would merely be enduring the consequences of their own choices, getting what they asked for.

But God is more than fair.  He is gracious and merciful.  Merciful in holding back what we deserve so often in judgment, here preserving the nation in spite of their repeated rebellion.  And gracious in extending to us what we don't deserve:  peace with Him though His own sacrifice. 


Prayer:

Thank You God for Your incredible patience.  Thank You for Your mercy and grace.  And thank You for Your sacrifice that cleansed me of all my sin and shame.  I love You.  You are the wonderful God!

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.