I Will Restore What the Locusts Have Eaten - Part Three

I Will Restore What the Locusts Have Eaten

Part Three - Joel 2:18-27

If we are willing to abandon our self-made plans and exchange them for the wisdom and guidance of Almighty God, He will bless us as bountifully as He did Joel’s hearers.  In the wonderful phrase of one biblical commentator, the Lord requires the cessation of “our vain efforts at self-reform.”  It is so easy to try plan after plan after plan when we encounter hardships, disappointments and failures.  The myth of the self-made person deceitfully encourages us to stay the course in the midst of adversity.  In contrast, God lovingly recommends that we develop the spiritual discipline of daily consulting with Him about His “good, pleasing and perfect” will for us.  As our Creator, the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows perfectly what will make us happy, joyous and free.  He knows our passions, talents, abilities and interests.  He knows the types of work and activities in which we will find the most fulfillments.  Accordingly, God will lead us in the direction of this abundant and eternal life if we trust Him by following His lead.

Conceivably, a percentage of the wasted years could have been salvaged had we diligently asked God for His daily will for our lives.  In the midst of unfortunate situations, God will grant graciously His guidance to bring about a reversal of fortunes.  As I write, I immediately conjure a memory of a time when I knew that I was making the wring choice in a matter.  I allowed fear to become larger than life itself.  I proceeded in this relationship when every sign that I could see warned me that I was headed for disaster.  Yet, I was afraid that if I let this “opportunity” pass that I would not receive another.  As this choice unfolded in my life, I actually tolerated unacceptable circumstances all the while fearing that if I let go I would be left empty.  I could not have been more wrong!  Years removed from that experience, I can testify that God does indeed restore what the locusts of time have eaten.  If only, I had trusted Him sooner.

Joel expands this remarkable prophecy to include all of nature.  God’s promises of restoration extend to the animals and the open fields which will yield a heretofore immeasurable harvest.  The land shall rejoice and be glad.  Flourishing green pastures await the animals of grazing.  The fig tree and vine will produce untold riches.  Abundant rains will come and wipe out the drought.  Both the fall and spring rains will descend to yield a bountiful harvest.  The former rains ensure the year’s harvest and the latter one prepares the soil for next year’s yield.  Accordingly, the threshing floors overrun with grain and the vats overflow with wine and oil.  These vivid and positive nature images depict spiritual and material blessings of restoration for us.  Although we may sow in tears, the day will dawn when we shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves.