8 March 2009

Text: Joel 2

BE GLAD AND REJOICE

(I) A GRIM DESCRIPTION OF “THE DAY OF THE LORD”

1. A day of darkness and gloominess (Joel 2:1a)

2. A day of clouds and thick darkness (Joel 2:1b)

3. The day of the LORD is great and terrible (Joel 2:11)

(II) CHALLENGE OF FACING DEEP TROUBLE DIFFERENTLY

“Fear not, O land;
Be glad and rejoice,
For the LORD has done marvellous things!” Joel 2:21

“Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the LORD your God…” Joel 2:23

1. Feelings of “Fear”

a) Dismay to Despair

b) Deep and deadly

2. Facing the problem of “fear”

a) With the promise of the Lord

b) With the power of the Lord

3. Appropriating gladness and rejoicing

a) It begins with returning to the Lord (Joel 2:12-13)

b) Making a special plea to the Lord

“…Let them say, ‘Spare Your people, O LORD,
And do not give Your heritage to reproach…” Joel 2:17

i) Spare Your people

ii) Do not give Your heritage to reproach

(III) SPECIAL PROMISES OF THE LORD

1. Promise of wondrous works

“…the LORD has done marvellous things!” Joel 2:21

“…the LORD…who has dealt wondrously with you…” Joel 2:26

2. Promise of Restoration

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” Joel 2:25

3. Promise of Not being shamed

“…My people shall never be put to shame” Joel 2:27

(IV) PRACTICE OF “GLADNESS AND REJOICING”

1. It stems from our faith in the Lord and His promises

2. It is an attitude of our heart

3. It is an outward expression that reflects confidence in the Lord

4. It is a special act of restoration

“Is not the food cut off before our eyes,
Joy and gladness from the house of our God?” Joel 1:16

5. It is a response of gratitude for the Lord’s provision