In science there is a principle that says for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In daily living, we could say the same principle applies. Everything we do, every action we take, even every thought we have takes us toward one thing (a destination, a goal, a character trait, a habit, a level of maturity) and therefore away from something else.
This principle also applies to our walk with God. As we move closer to God, we are moving farther away from Satan. As we read God’s Word, we are filling our mind with pure thoughts and emptying it of evil thoughts. The more time we spend applying the principles of God’s Word, the less time we have to form bad habits or give in to temptation.
The prophet Joel understood this principle. His nation, Judah (the southern kingdom), was once a “nation under God” but was fast becoming a nation without God, filled with sin and pagan practices. The sins were piling up. The reaction was going to be severe. It would come first in the form of a locust plague.
Locust plagues were common in the ancient world, but this one was unusually severe. “It is a consequence of your sin,” Joel warned. “Turn to God or worse will happen.” Joel pleaded with everyone – common people and religious leaders alike – to repent, call on God, turn from sin. But no one seemed to listen.
Then Joel shifts the imagery. The horde of locusts is but a foreshadowing of a vast horde of enemy soldiers that will swoop down upon the land from the north. Like the locust plague, this military plague would devour everything in its path. Like the locust horde, the military horde would come as a consequence of the people’s sin. And then Joel unveils a third judgment, the “day of the Lord,” that will be final and cataclysmic, a judgment to end all judgments.
At this time, Judah was prosperous, and that prosperity had brought complacency. Complacency bred self-sufficiency, and that self-sufficiency moved God aside. If we have all we need, why do we need God? That seemed to be the mood of the day in Judah. (Wow! That is an interesting concept that makes a lot of sense.)
Every act has some consequence, good or bad, small or great. Every act that takes us away from God has an undesirable consequence. As you read Joel, ponder your own actions (or lack of them) in your relationship with the Lord God and the consequences that may come from them.
“Give me your hearts,” the Lord urges (2:12). The plea is the same today as in the days of Joel. The consequence also is still the same. “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:32). Those who don’t, or who do and then choose to ignore him, will have to face him on that coming day of the Lord. (Touch Point Bible)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to learn from another of your wonderful books. Give us the ability to accurately interpret your Word. Help us draw closer to you, prioritizing you, as we distance ourselves from unrighteousness. And in our prosperity, help us push back complacency so we will forever demonstrate a dependence on you. Lord, you are amazing, and we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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