Joel 2:1-2, 12-17… “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” vs. 13b
The prophet Joel responds to a devastating invasion of locusts by calling the people of Israel to repentance. It’s never been uncommon for people to make connections between the forces of nature and the actions of God. Even today, laments are regularly lifted up when weather events or other calamities come close. We pray for an end to droughts and floods and protection from hordes of insects. Often such events spur people to reconnect with religion and even unbelievers turn to prayer.
Joel urges the Israelites to return to the Lord, and his description of God is one of the finest in all of scripture. Because his words are regularly used in our Lenten liturgy many find them familiar and have taken them to heart. Some will be using them in their meditations as they prepare for Ash Wednesday. They are a call to “return to the Lord,” a plea to get serious about matters of faith and to get reacquainted with Jesus. They define God perfectly, noting that God “is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”
There’s no doubt. Lent is for believers a time for repentance, a time to put aside all the clutter, and focus on that which is essential. It’s a time to get back to the basics or adopt some new spiritual discipline. Some say it’s the best time of the whole church year! Thought for the Day: How do I feel about Lent?
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