Joel 2:28-32 &Joel 3:1-21
Q.1. What promise was made about the ministry of the Spirit? How was this prophecy fulfilled? Who qualifies for this blessing? – Joel 2:28-32 c.f. Acts 2:14-21; Rom.10:8-13)
The apostle Peter claimed that the prophecy relating to the coming of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled completely on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:14-21). Luke recorded that there were men and women in the Upper room waiting for this event, as Jesus had instructed them to do (see Lk.24:49; Acts 1:8, 14; 2:1-4). Joel further indicated that this blessing was extended –”And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered … (Joel 2:32 c.f. Rom.10:8-13).
Q.2. What will the Day of the Lord be like? When, why, and where will God punish the nations? What message does God want to send to all ungodly people? – Joel 3:1-17 c.f. Joel 2:30-31)
The Day of the Lord will be a fearful day – 30 “I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. 31 “The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes (Joel 2:30-31). This devastating judgment will coincide with Israel’s deliverance – “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem (Joel 3:1). God will gather all Israel’s detractors to the Valley of Jehoshaphat and make war against them (Joel 3:2, 12-15 c.f. Rev.14:14-20; 17:13-16). Joel saw multitudes in the Valley of Decision (Joel 3:14). God wants us to know that He will care for His own, especially His Covenant people Israel – 16 The Lord roars from Zion and utters His voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth tremble. But the Lord is a refuge for His people and a stronghold to the sons of Israel. 17 Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, and strangers will pass through it no more (Joel 3:16-17).
Q.3. What will be the features of the ultimate territory of Israel? (Joel 3:16-21 c.f. Ezk.47:1-14)
Israel had been dispossessed of their land and were constantly under attack from their enemies. However, in that time – … strangers will pass through it no more (Joel 3:17). The picture is of Christ dwelling among His people in a redesigned and secure place of their own, as that described by Ezekiel – In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah will flow with water; And a spring will go out from the house of the Lord to water the valley of Shittim … But Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem for all generations (Joel 3:18 & 20 c.f. Ezk.47:1-14).