I Will Restore What the Locusts Have Eaten - Part Four

I Will Restore What the Locusts Have Eaten

Part Four - Joel 2:18-27

In the twenty-third verse, Joel speaks of the gift of “the autumn rain in righteousness.”  That saying describes the bestowal of a teacher of righteousness, one who instructs us about living in right relationship with Almighty God.  This teacher’s lessons and wisdom resemble the torrential downpours of the autumn rains.  For us, he will aid us in finding creativity and ideas that previously eluded us.  His teachings will re-ignite our imaginations.  We will think of ways to better ourselves.  We will not despise the day of small beginnings.  We will take the first step toward a life of inner healing and wholeness which include the merciful restoration of material blessings that lacked fruition before. 

Maya Angelou tells the story of Ms. Annie Johnson who lived in Arkansas in 1903.  Ms. Johnson had to take a new direction in the road of life.  Ms Johnson and her husband decided to separate.  He, a minister, felt called to leave Arkansas and relocate to Oklahoma to further his calling in the gospel ministry.  Ms. Johnson stayed behind with four children.  Having no idea how she would provide for them, she prayed to Almighty God for wisdom and insight.  In His infinite grace, He guided her toward a greater use of her cooking abilities.  Ms. Johnson began to cook for the workers in a mill near her house.  At first, she had few customers because most of the men brought their lunches from home.  Soon, she gained the confidence and patronage of a small percentage of the crew; they, in turn, told their coworkers about her delicious and affordable meals.  In time, her shack became the equivalent of a convenience store which later grew in numbers.  Ms. Johnson’s willingness to take a “U-turn” in the road of life enabled her to receive the financial and material blessings of God’s promise to restore the lost years.  I imagine that she looked back on those initial hard times with amazement at the Lord’s faithfulness and humor at her anxiety.

Joel concludes this grand prophecy with an incredible promise that extends beyond the finite realms of monetary substance.  He says that those persons who look to the Lord and heed His promises shall not be put to shame.  One biblical commentator posits a tripartite blessing for such persons.  First, they shall not be disregarded by Almighty God.  He will answer assuredly their prayers.  Second, they will not be disappointed.  Their expectations will be fulfilled.  Third, God will not let the circumstances of their lives debase them.  These believers have the full assurance of God’s unfailing love, unquestionable faithfulness and unending grace.  Summarily, God will restore what the locusts have eaten.