Joel 3

Joel 3:1-2 – Joel talks about the return of the Lord…..

a. the Lord is going to judge the nations

v2 – Israel is the Lord’s inheritance – they are special and precious to the Lord

What the nations have done to Israel…

v3 – cast lots – Israel was sold into slavery

trading of boys – boys sold off into immoral practices

sold a girl for wine – girls sold into slavery for the price of a glass of wine

vs4-6 – the enemies of Israel are fighting against God Himself

v5 – All of our money is the Lord’s money…

vs7-8 The Lord will bring Israel back to their land

-what happened to Israel will happen to Israels’ enemies

v9 – proclaim – a declaration or announcement from the Lord

-this is the battle of Armageddon

-mighty men – skilled professional soldiers

-soldiers – regular soldiers

***This also refers to the church today and things are being stirred against the body of Christ…….persecution of Christians

v10 – plowshares – was used to break up the fields for planting

       – pruning hooks – used to cut back the branches

No Excuses  – everyone is going to enter the battle

a. this refers to today’s church.  Everyone all in

b. this also refers to the world’s economy – gearing up for war

vs11-12 – the Lord is enticing the nations of the world to come against Israel and they will be judged

v11- the angles of God join the battle – 2 Kings 19:35

v13 – this is the harvest of judgment upon the nations — Isaiah 63:3-6

***wickedness will increase

v14 – Multitudes  – this is the # of Israels’ enemies that cannot be counted

v15 – darkness covers the earth – Matthew 24:29-30

verses 16-21 – The People Of God Are Blessed

v16 – zion – is heaven.  The Lord roars out of heaven

-a great earthquake happens – Zech 14:3-7

v17 – strangers – this speaks of unbelievers

v18 – this is the millennial reign of Jesus Christ

v19 – nations will be judged by the Lord

v20 – Israel will always exist

v21 – I will avenge the enemies of Israel, but will forgive Israel

           3 Ways To Fight

1. vote for the best person possible – Prov 29:2

2. Pray for revival – 1 Chron 7:14

3. Be a Voice – Matthew 3