Dearest e-votees-
Day sixty-five of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. We have finished Hosea and Joel (29 down, 37 to go). If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:
Peace,
Karl
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Day 65 Readings: Hosea 13:7-Amos 9:10
If you blink you can miss Joel. Just 3 chapters long and nestled between Hosea and Amos it can be overlooked.
The image of the locusts coming and stripping bare the vines is a vivid image of judgment and punishment coming from God. Anyone who remembers locusts or has seen the devastation in Africa done by these critters or even has been near the cicadas when they emerge from the earth know how overwhelming the winged, herbivorous invaders can be. When we choose Godless ways we will find, sooner or later, devastating stripping of all we thought we could rely upon.
But God will not leave us with only the image of the devastation. There is also coming an impartation of the Spirit. In the second chapter of Joel are promises that find their fulfillment in the day of Pentecost. People are dreaming and prophesying anew. God's promises are being clearly spoken. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The Spirit has come and is available to us all. Not as a tool to be controlled or exploited but a living manifestation of God to dwell in us stirring belief, faith, hope, love, service and equipping us with gifts to do live into those things. Thanks be to God.
God, fill us with your Spirit. Steer us from ways that lead to bare-vined consequences. Amen.
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