Joel 1-3
H - "'Yet even now,' declares Yahweh, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. And rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love, and he relents over disaster." - Joel 2:12-13
E - Joel first announces judgment upon the people and land of Israel. A huge army is coming, probably a reference to Assyria. But in Joel 2:12, the whole tenor changes. If Israel returns to Yahweh with all her heart, he will relent over the impending disaster and turn and bless Israel. Ultimately, the remnant of Israel will be blessed (Joel 3:18).
R - Father, thank you for the Scriptural record of your dealings with Israel, your chosen nation. We see your faithfulness to Israel despite her straying heart. Thank you that you are not finished with Israel. You will judge the nations that are opposed to her and bring her in and set her upon her own land in peace and without shame. Your word is clear on this. So may we, the Church, believe it. Amen.
- Jeff Coleman