Getting to Know the ProphetsSample

Joel

Joel prophesied to the people of Judah after their return from the Assyrian exile and described God’s heart to save His people if only they would turn to Him.

Joel 1 describes how Israel's works only condemned them further. The second chapter offered hope. God desired for His people to come to Him. He desired to bless them. This book concludes with a verse that points us toward the Cross of Christ. "I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD, dwells in Zion" (Joel 3:21 ESV). The Messiah was proof that God was still with His people then, as He is still today.

Joel teaches us that God desired to save us, not because of anything we have done, but because of His heart for a relationship with His people. Works cannot save us from the wrath of God. We are dependent on the mercy and grace of God to give us spiritual life. God has made Himself known through Jesus, so we now have unrestricted access to the Father through faith in Christ. Praise God for grace.

1. Why do you think it is our nature to try and earn our salvation?

2. Have you ever believed the lie that you are responsible for earning salvation? How did this affect you?

Prayer:Thank You, God, that You have saved me. There is nothing I can do to earn my way to You. I praise You for grace.