Joel 3:8-21 - "The Lord Dwelleth in Zion"

Draw Me Close: Podcast - A Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, with Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Joel 3⁠ begins with a promise of restoration and then proceeds to a legal scene in which God produces evidence against the nations which will result in their judgment. As you read, keep in mind that this climactic judgment scene describes events that will take place in the last days. The Messiah will reign from Mount Zion in Jerusalem. As someone has well said, "Israel is God's timepiece." God's plan for the ages includes the little nation of Israel. He will work out His perfect plan of redemption and will restore "the apple of His eye."In this last chapter, Joel describes the day of the Lord, a day of judgment that is to be proclaimed to all nations. If you ask the question, “What will the day of judgment be like? What will it be like to be there when all nations will be gathered together in one place?” It seems unimaginable. Joel uses words to paint pictures. He portrays the day of the Lord so you can taste, see, and picture what this day will be like, and so that we may heed His warnings."Restore" is the key word of this whole book. God works to restore the broken relationship between His people and Himself. He works to restore all that was lost, and He breathes new life into His own and begins to bless once again. The restoration of Judah and Jerusalem in ⁠Joel 3:1⁠, happens through the gathering for judgment in verse 2.