Part 49 of the David Pawson 'Unlocking the Bible' Podcast series

David Pawson says that Joel agreed with Obadiah that the Day of the Lord would settle accounts, but Joel warned Israel that they would be included. This was a shock to Israel as they had felt safe from God’s judgment. Joel said that a terrible plague of locusts which had left them with famine had been a warning from the Lord. God had visited their enemies with disasters; now they had brought this disaster upon themselves. David says it is similar with believers today when they realize that the Word of God warns against losing their salvation. “Sin in God’s people is just as serious as sin outside God’s people.” Joel called the people to repent and come back to God. David notes that Jezebel’s daughter Athaliah had seized the throne on the death of the king and killed all his male descendants (except one hidden by the High Priest) and nobody had done anything to stop her. After Joel’s words, Queen Athaliah was replaced by the boy who had been saved, Joash. David says that when there is true heart repentance, God can restore the years that the locusts have eaten in our lives. Joel prophesied a time when God’s Spirit would be poured on believers.

Paul Priestman on transport