Friday, May 22, 2015

Joel, Day 5 Readings

Punishment, but a New Day for God's People  

Today's reading is the conclusion of Joel's description of "the day of the Lord."  It continues the promise of judgment for the unfaithful -- famously Joel reverses Isaiah's teaching about "beating swords into plowshares" meaning that the rich and powerful (but unfaithful) nations must prepare themselves for God's wrath.

However, God's presence is restored in Jerusalem, which provides hope and protection for God's people.  In fact, despite the present circumstances, God promises the faithful that they will not be permanently defeated.  Instead, they shall live peacefully in God's restored kingdom.

Read Joel 3:9-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Joel 3:9-21 today.