Why It Matters //

God created mankind in his own image, as a reflection of who he is. We are all unique, different from each other in some ways, and similar in others. These verses out of Joel are written during a time of national disaster in the kingdom of Judah. God is calling out to his people through the prophet Joel, reminding them to turn to him. God responds to a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17), not to religious acts.  In those days it was tradition to tear up your clothes if you had sinned to show how sorry you were. But God is saying “rend (tear) your hearts, not your garments”, because he is after your heart. True repentance looks like something. What does rendering your heart look like today when our nation is in turmoil? 

What It's Talking About // 

 The author of the book of Joel is not mentioned in any other books than Joel and Acts (2:16). The date for the book is uncertain but many scholars place it somewhere between seventh and fifth century b.c. Scholars assume that Joel most likely lived in Jerusalem or it’s vicinity because of his concern for Jerusalem and Judah. Joel urges the people to lament and return to the Lord during a time of national disaster. The three major key themes of Joel are the day of the Lord; repentance; and the Lord in their midst, which culminates in the promise of the future outpouring of the Spirit.

Joel 2:12-16 NIV

12 “Even now,” declares the Lord,

    “return to me with all your heart,

    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13 Rend your heart

    and not your garments.

Return to the Lord your God,

    for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

    and he relents from sending calamity.

14 Who knows? He may turn and relent

    and leave behind a blessing—

grain offerings and drink offerings

    for the Lord your God.

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion,

    declare a holy fast,

    call a sacred assembly.

16 Gather the people,

    consecrate the assembly;

bring together the elders,

    gather the children,

    those nursing at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room

    and the bride her chamber.”