At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?

This is the picture of the complete and utter power of war and might. Troops beyond number, disciplined and strong. They are scaling walls like they were nothing. The sky darkens because of their number and they are all around: behind, in front, on top, and to each side. All one can see is the adversary. There is no doubt that heaven trembles and the earth shakes!  For this is the army of the Lord!

Who can endure it? Who alone is strong enough to fight back?

This is a cry from Joel to his people to take a situational assessment of the time they are in. He wants to see some inkling of wisdom and alertness as to the dire state of their nation.  

Israel was and is God’s chosen people. This has not changed. Individually, they still have a choice to follow him. But collectively, they are his people. And because of the covenant with Abraham, he holds them to a higher standard of righteousness than those nations around them. And typically he protects them. But when they turn from him and dishonor his name by taking idols and disobeying his commands, he judges them fiercely.

I am a Gentile, grafted into the people of God through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I, too, have made a life covenant with God. I must not disobey his commands. For he is worthy and he is faithful!

Lord, you call on sinners to repent, just like you call on nations to change their evil ways, or you will bring holy judgement. May our people receive your correction too. May they come back to living a life 100% committed to you.