22 March 2009

Text: Joel 2-3

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD

(I) THE LORD AS OUR GOD

“Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:
I am the LORD your God
And there is no other…” Joel 2:27

“So you shall know that I am the LORD your God,
Dwelling in Zion My holy mountain…” Joel 3:17

1. Awesome knowledge

“So you shall know”

a) Theoretical (acquired through Bible Study)

b) Practical and personal (through experience)

2. Knowledge of the LORD our God dwelling among His people

a) His Presence will be felt

b) His Power will be evidenced

(II) THE REVELATION OF THE LORD TO HIS PEOPLE IN CHASTENING

1. Through special messages given by His servants (Joel 1:1)

2. Through allowing calamities to occur

a) Locusts (Joel 1:4)

b) War (Joel 1)

c) Hard times (Joel 1:17)

(III) THE REVELATION OF THE LORD TO HIS PEOPLE IN BLESSING

1. The zeal of the Lord

“Then the Lord will be zealous for His land…” Joel 2:18

2. The compassion of the Lord

“….And pity His people” Joel 2:18

3. The provision of the Lord

“…Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil…” Joel 2:19

4. The protection of the Lord from enemies

“…I will remove far from you the northern army,
And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land…” Joel 2:20

5. The promise of Restoration

“I will restore to you…
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied” Joel 2:25-26

(IV) REJOICING IN THE UNCHANGEABLE NATURE OF GOD

“…Return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.” Joel 2:13

1. First proclaimed by the Lord Himself (Exodus 34:5-7)

2. Preached by all servants of God (Joel 2:13)

3. Great reason to be glad and to rejoice

“…Be glad and rejoice…” Joel 2:21

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