Restoring the Years the Locusts have Eaten- Joel 2:25
Welcome to bible reflections with the holistic health nut. This is where we discuss scripture and learn how to apply them to our lives.
Today’s Bible reflection comes from Joel chapter 2:25.
At first glance this verse might sound harsh (what a way to start this series haha) and scary but I assure you that the promise that comes from this is so beautiful.
I’ve been seeing this verse pop up everywhere on my social media and so I figured God was trying to tell me something. So, I prayed and asked him to reveal the meaning of this verse to me. Often when we read the bible we might be tempted to conjure up our own interpretations. If we’re honest, most of the time the interpretations we come up with are influenced and clouded by our own desires and circumstances. I certainly was initially interpreting it based on what I wanted, but I was compelled to ask God what he actually meant. So, I encourage you to always seek God’s guidance as you go through his word and apply it to your life.
A few years back, a church sister gifted me a study bible that provided context for each scripture. It outlines the cultural context and describes what was happening at the time that scripture was written. This is so important for accurately interpreting the word. To this day this bible is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. I'll try to find a link to it in case you guys are interested in purchasing it.
I’ve heard this specific verse quoted before and often its interpreted without the prerequisite that is outlined in the preceding verses. Joel is a short book of three chapters that provides a three part illustration for aligning ourselves to God’s will. To me, it is an exact depiction of the gospel.
The book uses imagery of locusts eating away at everything (livestock, agriculture etc.) to outline the destruction that the people were facing at the time. In earlier chapters in the new testament we follow the people of Israel through countless rebellions against God and what was in truth an on and off relationship. As a result of rebellion they succumbed to numerous bouts of oppression and captivity, famine, war etc. They knew what God's requirements were but they would always fall short and instead, do what they though was right. However, they would repent and God would listen and save them. So it is today in our own relationships with God. We lean on him one day and the next we stray and do what is right in our own eyes. However, as the scripture says, God is merciful and he is faithful. Therefore, if we confess our sins, turn to God and change our ways, he will restore us. This is not to be interpreted as God will give you riches if you repent. He does provide for our needs according to His riches in glory.
This book also serves as a warning because it speaks about God's impending judgement and implores us to turn to God before it is too late. Living in sin and out of God's will might not seem to have any immediate implications but as someone who has tasted life in God and outside of God, I can testify that there are indeed implications. Think about the toll that sinful choices take on your mental health and even your physical wellbeing. Outside of this, choosing to remain in sin has long term implications for our soul because if we don't turn to God sincerely before the judgment we are lost...forever separated from Him. Who wants that? I know I certainly don't!
The book of Joel illustrates how sin eats away at our lives, ruins our relationships, the health of our minds, physical bodies, our livelihood, everything that is good in this life and most importantly our relationship with God. However, God invites us to turn to Him through prayer, weeping and fasting. He invites us to abandon sin and surrender fully to Him and in doing so he will restore to us the years that sin has eaten and stolen. He'll restore your self esteem, your mind, your peace and ability to function in the Christlike authority that he's already given you and he'll provide for you. Note that this restoration requires us to first repent. Life in Christ might not be smooth sailing, but it is magnitudes more fulfilling than a life spent separated from him. Family, I encourage you to read the book of Joel and meditate on it. Ask God to reveal to you how to apply it to your life and feel free to come back and comment on this post to share what he's revealed to you. I love you.
Author: Kaydine Edwards, PhD
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