Monday November 2, 2020

Today’s Reading: Joel 1 15:20

Woe because of that day! For the Day of the Lord is near and will come as devastation from the Almighty.

Joel 1:15

Reflection: God is the Source of all life. The Prophet Joel warns God’s people of an upcoming day when God will respond to those who have rejected Him. He says that they are doomed to utter devastation. While this harsh punishment from God can be difficult to understand, we must remember that this is a consequence of the choices of people. Those who reject God’s Presence reject the Source of life, and choose to experience a world where the Source of Life has been removed. In this world, there is no access to food, either for humans or for animals. Because has withered away, storehouses become depleted over time and there is suffering and starvation. Lack of rain results not only in a lack of food, but also leaves the fields dry and susceptible to danger. Not only are present natural resources gone, but so is the hope of any future life. The prophet declares that at this time even seeds are shriveled up and useless.

Left with nothing to salvage and no natural resources to drawn on, only then all of creation will cry out to God for help. It is only when left with absolutely nothing that people will realize that God is the source of everything that they need.

Reflection Questions:

– What message does the prophet Joel give to God’s people? How can we learn from his message today?

-According to Joel, what is a life without God like? How does this compare to a life with God?

This passage is a difficult one, but it is a crucial one which reveals our dependence on God for all things. How does acknowledging God as the Source of Life affect our day-to-day perspective?

Prayer: Lord God, I marvel at the thought of all that You have created, and all that You sustain every second of every day. You are marvelous to keep all life in balance, and to work all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your Purpose. Thank You for all that You provide. Help me to be mindful today that every good and perfect gift I have received comes from You. Help me live in gratefulness to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; 1 Kings 12:32-13:34; Joel 1