“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.” Joel 2:21
Suggested Scripture readings – Joel 2: 1 – 32
Adam had been in a college class where the professor had challenged the reality of the Gospel and his faith in the Lord Jesus. He had begun to search for the reality of his faith when he realized the change that the Gospel had brought in the lives of the people in his church. Adam’s conversation with his pastor had been a great help. Meeting people in his church whose lives had been changed by the reality of the Gospel had been the encouragement he had needed. His professor’s cynicism and his challenging questions had caused Adam some doubts. He learned, however, that he does not need to fear the cynicism of the world. The challenges they make about faith in Jesus and the Bible have been leveled against Christians in every generation since the Lord Jesus lived on earth. The truth of the Scriptures has been obvious to all who would examine them with an open mind. People who are cynical about the Bible and the truth of the Gospel have a very bleak out look on life. However, those who will come to Jesus will never be turned away. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered” (Joel 2:32) Joel, the prophet said that the Father is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” (Joel 2:13) The scoffers have only the things of this life for their joy and contentment. The Lord tells His people “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. (Joel 2:21)
Adam had already seen some of the “great things” the Lord could do for His people. Mr. Anderson’s life had been saved. He was turned from a life of drunken destruction to that of a dedicated deacon. Mrs. Smith could face great trials with peace and confidence. Mary experienced a new life of purpose and joy from the “great things” of the Lord. The unbeliever has in this life all of Heaven that they will ever know. The believer, however, has in this life all of Hell that he will ever know. Child of God,
Fear not, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord will do great things!
