In the Face of Crisis
I. IntroductionGod speaking to His people through His servant the prophet Joel in real time and space amid a nationwide crisis.The circumstances (crisis) may be different, but the state of man’s heart remains the same.II. The Nature of the CrisisAn unprecedented crisis is upon the nation vs 2-3The land is invaded and stripped bare by different waves of ferocious locust vs 4, 6-7Social life is curtailed vs 5. It is a time for lament vs 5. The economy crashed, and a drought and famine are imminent vs 10-12, 17-20Above all, religious activities ceased from the house of God vs 9, 13, 16III. The Cause of the CrisisNatural phenomenon? Cycle of life? Bad luck? Conspiracy theory?The hand of God in judging the world Ex 10.12-15 (the eighth plague), Rev 6-16 (the four cycles of judgements with growing intensity)The hand of God in chastening and trying His people that we may come forth as fine gold Deut 28.38, 1 Pet 1.6-7IV. The Resolution of the CrisisComplain and curse the day of our birth?Consecrate a fast and cry out to the Lord vs 14,19 • Consider your crisis in the light of the Coming Day of the Lord vs 15V. Conclusion“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” Isa 55.6 “let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa 55.7
