photo by: thedigitalartist-why-4129050-2.jpg
Our congregation is journeying through the minor prophets for the next few weeks. I love the way we find connections to Jesus in every book.
Joel’s “burden” from the Lord is to deliver warnings as many of the prophets did. However, he also speaks to how we should react to the punishment God sends.
Joel advises that when tragedies happen we shouldn’t question God’s reasoning. Instead of asking why bad things happen, we should come to a decision point.
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing- grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.” Joel 2:13-14. NIV
Jesus taught a similar lesson, recorded in the book of Luke. He was speaking about a tragedy in Siloam, where a tower fell, killing eighteen people. His disciples had probably asked the question we all voice at a time like this, “Why?”
Jesus said “do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13 4-5 NIV
The parable Jesus uses next explains further. He tells of a fig tree that was not bearing fruit, (Summarizing) The man who owned the vineyard told the man caring for the trees to cut the tree down. Instead, the man who cared for the tree begged to give it another year of fertilization and care. Hopefully, the tree would change and begin to produce fruit.
Jesus seems to say that instead of asking “Why?” when bad things happen, we should ask “What?” “What can I do to change my behavior, to change my heart so that I don’t get the treatment I deserve for my bad behavior?” His answer- just like Joel- Repent, turn from your old ways and God will relent and give you grace, even though we don’t deserve it.
Yes, bad things happen. Instead of choosing desperation, we can examine ourselves, repent from our own sins, and accept God’s grace.
Wishing all of you the best as you continue your daily journey with God.
Leave a Reply