The story of Joel can be found in the book of Joel chapters 1-3

Influential Men of the Bible: Joel

The story of Joel can be found in the book of Joel chapters 1-3

The book of Joel is the second work in the collection of the Minor Prophets known as the Trei Asar, or "The Twelve ". It is written by Joel, the son of Perhuel. Not much is known about this prophet except that his name means "Jehovah is God" and that he was given a very harsh message to deliver to God's people. This book which contains three chapters and 73 verses is one of the shortest books of the bible.

The people of Israel were in the midst of a crisis. A devastating locust plague had attacked Israel and left practically no vines or grain. "What the chewing locust (palmerworm) hath left, the gobbling locust hath eaten, what the gobbling locust left, the munching locust (cankerworm) hath eaten, and what the munching locust left, the chomping locust (caterpillar) hath eaten" (1:4). Even in the midst of this crisis Joel had to give a warning to God's people that it was time to Change their lives. The message to the people was that they should take a look at their lives and do a "reality check ". He told the drunkards to weep and sober up. The wine is now cut off anyway since all the vines are eaten and gone (1:5). Joel even had to tell the church to, "Rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness... Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him -- a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?" (Joel 2:13-14) God did not want just a mere outward show of religion, but He wanted their hearts. Although Joel had to deliver this message, there was still good news. God still loved his people and that blessings would follow true repentance. "Then the Lord will be jealous for His land, and pity His people. The Lord will answer and say to His people, Behold; I will send you grain and new wine and oil. I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations." (Joel 2:19-20) Joel also spoke of a time of outpouring of God's Spirit and salvation (2:28-32). Finally, God would bring judgment to the nations that mistreated Israel (3:1-17), and would ultimately bring deliverance and prosperity in the land (2:18-21).

What locust situation is happening in your life? Perhaps it is that chewing locust that thing that grinds at you day by day…like not having enough money. Maybe it's the gobbling locust, things that try and swallow you up in large pieces at a time. What about the chomping locust vigorously and noisily biting at you. Or maybe it's the munching locust, a steady working of the jaws usually audibly (a he said/she said situation). In spite of this invading army message, the prophet Joel draws us to a good conclusion "The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and sky will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel" (Joel 3:16). Let us get under the umbrella of true repentance. As long as this umbrella is up, we won't get soaked from the storms of life. Repentance changes the forecast of our lives. God will fight for and bless his people!