Joel describes a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land of Judah, leaving it barren and lifeless. The prophet Joel called on the people to wake up from their drunkenness and to mourn. It isn’t clear if Joel was speaking literally, or if he was describing the invasion of a foreign army as a plague of locusts. Joel compared their grief to that of a young bride who has lost her husband. The destruction affected everyone, farmers, priests, and citizens alike. Crops failed, vineyards dried up, and joy disappeared from the land. These verses also describe what happens when we turn away from God. The consequences of doing so are devastating.

Joel called the priests and people to lament and repent in response to the devastation caused by the locust plague. He urged them to wear sackcloth, fast, and cry out to God; to recognize that the land was suffering, and the Day of the Lord is near. Joel himself calls out to the Lord. “To you, Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field.” Only God can restore what has been lost.
Application: Father, we have sinned greatly against you. We have turned away from you. Help us repent, call out to you and turn back to you.
One Word: Wake up and repent