Joel now focuses on some recent injustices that had been suffered by his people at the hands of the surrounding nations: Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon), Philistia, Egypt and Edom. The reference to Edom being laid waste is particularly notable because Malachi refers to this event a little later as having been fulfilled (Malachi 1:2-5). The Jews had prayed earnestly for God to address the evils inflicted on them since the destruction of Jerusalem (Psalm 79; 137). These kinds of prayers might seem strange and harsh to people who have not suffered such evil as the Jews did. We might think that it is unchristian to desire vengeance against evil doers. Jesus taught us, of course, to seek reconciliation and peace. He also taught us not to take vengeance into our own hands. This is because vengeance is God’s prerogative, not ours. In our hands vengeance is the seizure of an exclusively divine prerogative. In God’s hands it is the ultimate justice. That is why even the souls in heaven cry out for this (Revelation 6:10). People have done such cruel and terrible things to other people and God does not just ‘let this slide’. And it makes God angry because God loves all people. Yes, judgement is coming, not because God is cruel but because God is good. However, because of God’s goodness he has also offered a way for all to receive forgiveness. Judgement is inevitable, but it is not necessary for anyone since Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. Ultimately God wants to extend grace, not vengeance. “God our Saviour…wants all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Reflect on how grieved God must be over this world and pray for Jesus’ return.
Read Joel 3
