Daily Devotions

The book of Joel – No one knows for sure when Joel ministered, but his message is fiery and powerful nonetheless! He warned God’s people that a day of judgment was coming – the “Day of the Lord” – and he symbolised the coming judgment as being like a frightening plague of locusts. Joel also prophesied that after judgment God would “pour out his Spirit on all people” so that they all may prophesy; this was later fulfilled in the birth of the Christian church at Pentecost

A key verse of Joel’s prophecy is, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me all your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your remorse tear at your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered; he is full of kindness and anxious not to punish you.” (Joel 2:12-13)

It could be said that this verse is a powerful diagnostic tool for our approach to life…whether the threat is locusts, Covid, racism, anarchy, or the personal sin in my heart.

In Joel’s day, the nation of Judah was guilty of putting on false displays of repentance. The people performed rituals of tearing their clothing without experiencing true, heart-crushing remorse for their sin, which would lead to a change in behaviour and genuine devotion to God. Only a complete rending of the heart would turn the nation back to receive the compassionate, gracious, merciful, and steadfast love of the Lord.

The idiom rend your heart expresses internal spiritual brokenness, which is vastly more important than any empty, hypocritical act of ripping apart one’s clothing. Rituals of repentance mean nothing if the heart is unchanged. External performances are not enough. For this reason, Jesus taught in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means recognising one’s broken spiritual state. We rend our hearts when we admit that we are utterly bankrupt and destitute before God. Without His forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration, we are undone.

Dear God, You are the healer of hearts. Help us to examine our hearts to rend them in repentance and come to You for true healing. Give us strength as we fast during Lent this year to deny our cravings and desires and seek You instead. We want to serve you! In Jesus’ name, amen.