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He's Holding Out For Us

Joel 1 reveals that the nation of Judah had just been ravaged by a phenomenal locust plague. The infestation was unusually severe, one so bad that no one living at the time could remember anything worse, 1:3. The implication in the chapter is that the locust plague was sent by God in an effort to wake up a people who had grown apart from God. Here, at their lowest, most vulnerable moment, God stood by with His hand outstretched, hoping for their repentance. Joel 2:12-13 reveals important things concerning genuine repentance and the nature of God. For example…

Those who truly repent move with a sense of urgency. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord… When we realize the reality of the punishment that will come with a failure to act and the possibility that God could deal out retribution at any moment, there will be little delay in moving toward God. A person who truly repents will realize that time is precious and one moment spent outside a relationship with God is just one moment too long.

True repentance involves a desire to return to God. God said, “Return to me with all your heart…”  Generations before, the children of Israel entered into a covenant relationship with God. Through the worship of idols, trust in human alliances, and turning their back on God, they had not lived up to their side of the agreement. Like the children of Israel, Christians have made a covenant with God. We can violate that covenant thus destroying the connection with God because of our sinful behavior. But yet, God always calls us back so that the relationship can be fully restored to its former quality.  If you have rejected the covenant you once made with God, won’t you come back? God is holding out for your repentance.  See Luke 15:11-32.

True repentance comes from the heart. Rend your heart and not your garments. True repentance goes farther than fear of punishment and the confession of sin. God wants our heart. True repentance involves a complete and total change in one’s life. Fruits of repentance will be seen when our motives are genuine and true. See Matthew 3:8.

How great and awesome the God is that we serve. When we consider His graciousness, compassion, how He is slow to anger, how He abounds in lovingkindness, and will relent of evil, it should move us to humbly serve Him. Oh how He loves us, just as a father does his child. How close is your relationship with God? Do you need to return to Him? He is holding out for you!