Theme: A call to repentance and renewal. The people are called to return to the Lord with acts of worship, giving and devotion that spring from the heart.

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
We know little about the writer of this book and there are no historical markers by which to judge the period in which it was composed. Many scholars believe that Joel lived in the Persian period (559-331 B.C.). We do know that he had a keen interest in the temple and can surmise that he hails from priestly origins. An invasion of locusts causes a call to repentance. The prophet sees this devouring army as the arm of God's judgment. God is trying to arrest his people's attention. Yet the Lord is merciful and kind (v. 13) and stands ready to bless his people when they return to him.

Epistle:…