Joel was one of the minor prophets of the Bible, and he was also the author of the book that bears his name. Joel lived and prophesied during a time of great crisis in Israel’s history. Israel was threatened by a powerful enemy, and they were in danger of being annihilated. Joel’s message to Israel was simple: Repent and turn to God, and He will save you from your enemies.
2. The Prophet Joel and The Plan of Salvation
Joel knew that in every event threatening the lives of the people, they saw the coming of the Lord who judges this world in order to establish the definitive world. In other words, each event reveals God’s plan for salvation, and that plan always involves judgment. This is why Joel could say, “Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12). God was calling Israel to repentance so that He could save them from their enemies.
The book of Joel is divided into two parts: The first part describes a great disaster that has befallen Israel, and the second part describes the Savior who will come to save them. The disaster that has befallen Israel is described in terms of a locust plague. This plague has stripped the land bare, and it is a sign of God’s judgment on Israel. The second part of the book describes the coming of the Savior who will save Israel from their enemies. This Savior is none other than Jesus Christ.
3. Conclusion
The book of Joel is a powerful message about God’s plan for salvation. This plan always involves judgment, but it also involves mercy and forgiveness. God is calling us to repentance so that He can save us from our enemies. When we turn to Him with all our heart, He will hear us and He will save us.
FAQ
Joel was a prophet who lived in the 8th century BC. His prophecies focused on God's judgment of Israel for their sins, and he predicted that Israel would be restored to their land after they repented and turned back to God.
Joel's prophecy about the plan of salvation is found in Joel 2:32. He prophesied that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and that there will be a time when all people will come to repentance and be saved.
The New Testament teachings on salvation confirm Joel's prophecy by teaching that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
We can learn from Joel's prophecy that God is merciful and willing to forgive our sins if we turn back to Him with repentant hearts.
