July 22
Introduction
Joel 2:18–32: The prophet Joel conveys the LORD’s promise to restore the land and bless the people along with the LORD’s promises to send his Spirit upon all people.
Today’s Key Verse: Joel 2:32a
All who ask the LORD for help will be saved.
Reading
18 Then the Lord showed concern for his land;
he had mercy on his people.
19 He answered them:
“Now I am going to give you
grain and wine and olive oil,
and you will be satisfied.
Other nations will no longer despise you.
20 I will remove the locust army that came from the north
and will drive some of them into the desert.
Their front ranks will be driven into the Dead Sea,
their rear ranks into the Mediterranean.
Their dead bodies will stink.
I will destroy them because of all they have done to you.
21 “Fields, don’t be afraid,
but be joyful and glad
because of all the Lord has done for you.
22 Animals, don’t be afraid.
The pastures are green;
the trees bear their fruit,
and there are plenty of figs and grapes.
23 “Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you.
He has given you the right amount of autumn rain;
he has poured down the winter rain for you
and the spring rain as before.
24 The threshing places will be full of grain;
the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.
25 I will give you back what you lost
in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops.
It was I who sent this army against you.
26 Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied.
You will praise the Lord your God,
who has done wonderful things for you.
My people will never be despised again.
27 Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you
and that I, the Lord, am your God
and there is no other.
My people will never be despised again.
28 “Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone:
your sons and daughters will proclaim my message;
your old people will have dreams,
and your young people will see visions.
29 At that time I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants, both men and women.
30 “I will give warnings of that day
in the sky and on the earth;
there will be bloodshed, fire, and clouds of smoke.
31 The sun will be darkened,
and the moon will turn red as blood
before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
32 But all who ask the Lord for help will be saved.
As the Lord has said,
‘Some in Jerusalem will escape;
those whom I choose will survive.’”
Reflect
Reread verses 23–27. What has God done for the people? Reread verses 28–32. How is the day of the LORD described? How does that description compare with “a dark and gloomy day” as described in yesterday’s reading (2:2)? In what ways have you experienced the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Pray
Almighty God, with a joyful heart I thank you for your blessings and for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Empower me to proclaim your message of love and mercy. In your holy name, I pray.
And now, join us in thanking God that the very first Children’s Bible Storybooks have been published in the Tai Don language in Vietnam. Lord God, many of the Tai Don people in the mountains of northern Vietnam are underprivileged and very poor. Children receiving their first set of children’s Bible storybooks are excited and their eyes sparkle with joy. The Tai Don New Testament is scheduled to be printed later this year. Thank you, Lord, for the support from Bible-A-Month Partners so Tai Don children and adults are now being provided with your Word in their heart language and that the Good News is being shared with people who may never otherwise have heard about Jesus. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Zephaniah 1:1–18: The prophet Zephaniah describes the day of the LORD’s judgment.
