Joel 2:12-13 – “Yet even now (in the midst of judgment), says the LORD, return to Me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping,  and mourning.  13.  Tear your hearts, not just your garments.  Return to the LORD your God,  for He is merciful and boundless in loyal love (covenant unending unconditional love) – often relenting from calamitous punishment.”  

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was drawn to the reality of judgment.     If that alone had been my focus, it would have depressed me.   However, as I read in Joel, I saw God’s judgment in the context of God’s purpose of restoration.   I saw God’s incredible mercy, and I was encouraged and comforted.

The chorus that used to be sung about the Army of the Lord always troubled me.  The Army of that chorus was characterized or described as an army of different kinds of devouring locusts sent for judgment.   They rushed on the city, climbed on the walls, and were called the army of the Lord.  It was judgment, and they were bringing destruction.  I could not get excited about that. 

However, I can get excited about what Joel declares in Joel 2:12-13.   The reality is that even in judgment, God is merciful and compassionate, seeking restoration.

In Joel 2:25, we see God’s heart for those who repent.  “I will make up for the years that the ‘arbeh-locust consumed your crops, the hasil-locust, and gazam-locust – My great army that I sent against you.”    He continues telling them they would move from lack to plenty.

Then, in verses 28-29, we have that incredible promise of a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit.   But notice how he begins the promise,  “After All This…”   After the incredible judgment of the Day of the LORD.  After the hearts have been brought to repentance, the overflow of Revival, Renewal, and Restoration will come!

In verse 32, God’s guarantee is, “It will so happen that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered.”   Judgment is coming to this world, but God’s love, mercy, and grace are too!    If we seek Him with our hearts, we may not escape the pain of the judgment, but we will be delivered.   God will not abandon us. 

In times of judgment, we need the Body of Christ to be a functioning Body.   We strengthen each other.   We have hope even in times of hopelessness.   

I see the dual or parallel.  There will be judgment and revival coming simultaneously.   Those who turn to God with a whole heart will be delivered!    We will be able to rescue others as well. 

Don’t be shaken by the coming shaking.   Hang on to your hat; visions, dreams, and a mighty overflow of the Holy Spirit are about to burst forth.  As the darkness deepens, the light grows brighter.  As evil abounds, grace abounds even more.  As destruction comes, restoration comes to the heart that is hungry and surrendered.

It is a choice!  God’s love opens the door for victory.  Walk through it!   Things are about to get really exciting.   It will be frightening for those who are uncertain and rebellious.   It will be exciting for the fully surrendered and committed.

Although judgment is coming, so is Mercy and out of Mercy Revival, Renewal, and Restoration!