Devotions based on Week 2 of The Prophets: Joel (WATCH HERE)
It’s hard to look past devastation and consider what will happen afterwards.
“Life will never be the same” is often a phrase that comes when someone experiences personal tragedy, or a collective group of people are affected in some way.
At face value, this statement is true. The house that was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original home is not the same. Life after the loss of a loved one is not the same as it was prior to their death. A country after a national tragedy is not the same as before.
But is it true that “life will never be the same” is always a bad thing?
Maybe there was something prior to a tragedy that needed change?
Just as the prophet Joel spoke of the impending “Day of the Lord” marked by the devastating effects of a locust swarm, so he also is given words of hope to describe what would follow. Here’s what he speaks on behalf of the LORD to his people?
Joel 2:25-27 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—
my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.
27 Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.
The food situation as a result of the devastating locusts was hard. Crops were ruined and seeds for next year destroyed. But the Lord said he would “repay” for the years the locusts had eaten. Bumper crops? Maybe. However the Lord decided to fulfill this was up to him, but the reality was that there would again be plenty to eat, not just some, but enough to have your fill.
But what would be different among the people after the plague of locusts that wasn’t there before the plague?
Praising the name of the Lord.
The people before the locusts had lost their spiritual grounding. False gods, idols and drifting from the Lord were the norm. But after the plague? Life would not be the same. The land of Israel would once again know that the LORD is God and there is no other. Idols were disposed of. False gods dismissed.
It was a GREAT thing that “life would never be the same.” The same was godless. The aftermath was focused on the Lord.
We can’t predict the same way that Joel did, but the Lord certainly does suggest that blessings come through and after a tragedy. The greatest evidence is the resurrection following the crucifixion. God can and does work ALL things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). It happened at the time of Joel. The Lord continues to work this truth today.
Out of every difficult situation, the Lord calls us back to him. In every loss, there is an opportunity for the Lord to bless. In every tragedy, God can work a triumph.
For what reason? So you will know that the LORD, he is God!
Apply: What hardship have you gone through that you know see the Lord blessing you? What events in your life, as difficult as they were, allowed you to see the mercy, grace and blessing of the Lord more clearly?
Prayer: Lord, in your grace, work every hard and tragic event to the glory of your name and the advancement of your kingdom. AMEN.