1 March 2009

Text: Joel 3

“MY PEOPLE, MY HERITAGE”

(I) THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF JOEL’S MINISTRY

1. Plague of locust (Joel 1:4)

2. Impending war (Joel 1:6)

3. Devastation of the land (Joel 1:10-12)

(II) THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF JOEL’S PROPHECY

1. The Day of the Lord

a) Concept introduced (Joel 1:15)

b) Concept explained (Joel 2:1, 31)

2. Four aspects to be considered:-

a) The Immediate

i) Locust plague

ii) Impending invasion

b) The Negative

i) Disaster

ii) Devastation

iii) Destruction

c) The ultimate

i) Final Judgment (future)

ii) The Return of the Lord Jesus (cf. 2 Peter 3:10)

d) The positive

i) With reference to God’s people

ii) God has a different plan for them

(III) THE PERSONAL CONTEXT

1. God’s Covenant-Relationship with Israel

a) Israel as God’s people

“...My people...” Joel 3:2

b) Israel as God’s heritage

“...My heritage...” Joel 3:2

2. God’s Commitment to His people

a) Return of His people

“…behold, in those days and at that time,
When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem” Joel 3:1

b) Retribution to enemies

“I will also gather all nations
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there…” Joel 3:2

c) Reference to His people

“…On account of My people, My heritage Israel...” Joel 3:2

d) Remembrance of God’s covenant

(IV) PERTINENT TO THE NEW COVENANT PEOPLE

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

1. A chosen generation

2. A royal priesthood

3. A holy nation

4. His own special people