Call on The Lord

September 14, 2014 Series: The Old Testament

Passage: Joel 2:1-2, 10-14, 18, 26-32

Friendship:

On any given Saturday you may have been at a soccer match and witnessed a winning goal. At that moment, simultaneously, what are the two responses that are always noticeable?

A DIVISIVE DAY

Read 2 Peter 3:3-11 & Joel 2:1-2, 11 & 18. Who do you know that doubts that the Day of the LORD will really happen? And who do you know that doubts that they’re in any kind of trouble on that day even though they have no faith in Jesus?

Read Proverbs 10:29. If the Day of the LORD is undeniable, or unavoidable, how is it at the same time good news and terrifying? How have you lived as if you’ll never be accountable? Or how have you thought of yourself as “better?” Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to rescue you from the judgment you justly deserve.

HEART REPENTANCE

Read Joel 2:12-14. How does a radical sense of your brokenness lead you to a deeper heart repentance? The LORD calls for His people to tear their hearts, not just their clothes – so what does that make you think of?

Read Matthew 15:7-20. So how deep within us does Jesus say our problem is? In Joel 2:12-14 several times the term “turn” or “return” is used. This is the Hebrew term for “repent.” How have you found it difficult to go on record against yourself? How is turning from sin a significant step beyond just confessing your sin? In James 4:8a, what does God promise you if you will turn to Him? God has never turned toward us more profoundly than at the Cross.

TRUSTING THE LORD & HIS SPIRIT

Read Joel 2:18 & 26-32. When have you attempted to fix your household problem only to end up calling a professional? Why is that not only often necessary but good for you? What would happen if you would refuse to call for help? How have you refused to call on the LORD? What have you experienced from repenting and calling upon the Lord Jesus Christ?

Joel’s prophecy is also a picture of God being extravagantly generous (by pouring out His Spirit). How does this also reveal God’s pattern of working with all kinds of people? Read Romans 1:16-17. As a hurricane can reshape the landscape, how have you seen God’s power to transform, to save anybody?

Read again Joel 2:26-27. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into what it means that by Jesus’ death, resurrection and the outpouring of His Spirit that He is in your midst; dealing wondrously with you… and that there is none else. How could this drive fear out of your life and build within you hope and joy?

Prayer:

  1. Worship the LORD for His willingness to answer all who call upon Him in truth. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit that He can be trusted to save us utterly from the doom we rightfully earned by our sin.
  2. How have you lived as if you’ll never be accountable? Or how have you thought of yourself as “better?” Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to rescue you from the judgment you justly deserve.
  3. Give thanks to Jesus for His grace to turn toward you in your sin and to meet you if you turn to Him. Thank Him for making a way of escape for us by His willingness to not escape – and die where we deserved to.
  4. Who do you know that needs to turn back to the Lord? Pray for them, asking the Lord to open their eyes to their spiritual need and to His beauty and worth.
  5. Read Joel 2:26-27. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into what it means that by Jesus’ death, resurrection and the outpouring of His Spirit that He is in your midst; dealing wondrously with you… and that there is none else.

More in The Old Testament

November 23, 2014

The LORD: Generous & Unchanging

November 16, 2014

Accused, Redeemed Ambassadors

November 9, 2014

Seek First