Reaping The Blessings of God's Promises: Material Restoration-Joel 2:18-27

Have you considered the abundant ways and word pictures that God's Word uses to speak about thriving, prosperity, and flourishing? Careful and be leery here of the drivel from health and wealth prosperity preachers! God does not obligate Himself to any man, but there is a consistent link between our obedience to God and the blessings of God. And yes, there was the bi-lateral nature to the Mosaic Covenant, not hinging solely on God's fulfillment, but also Israel's required obedience from which God promised blessing (Deut 28). Proverbially speaking, as general maxims of life, God did offer the blessing of good crops, health, and wealth for faithfulness to Him (Prov 3). Solomon speaks here of length of days and years of life and peace. He teaches that righteous living finds favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. It gives healing to the body and refreshment to the soul. We are told to trust in and rely upon God, and He assures us He'll make our paths straight, as He guides us all the way. Barns filled with plenty and vats overflowing with new wine is how ancient-near-easterners would speak of flourishing and prosperity at the hands of Yahweh. Read it for yourself! In our church's current study, after the prophet Joel addresses the literal locust plague devastation and dryness of his day, he then uses it to illustrate a far worse Day of the Lord in the future. Yet, he also promises deliverance. But before promising spiritual restoration (Joel 2:28-32) he mentions material restoration of the land that the locusts had devastated (2:18-28). Thus, after Israel's repentance comes God restoration and renewal. As we enter into an understanding of the agrarian culture of the ancient-near-east, we hear the prophet speak of prosperity in the following way. "The LORD will be zealous for His land"-v18..."I am going to send you grain, new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied in full with them"-v19..."I will remove the northern army far from you"-v20..."Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, for the LORD has done great things"-v21..."So rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad, for the LORD your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication"-v23..."The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with the new win and oil. Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten"-v24-25..."You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; then My people will never be put to shame."-v26 How could there be any better passage to begin 2026 with, as we pray for the similar thriving assured to those who are united by faith to Christ and living for His eternal glory! Join us this coming Lord's day as we continue our study of Joel in this week's exposition "Reaping the Blessings of God's Promises: Material Restoration." (Joel 2:18-27).