Episode 125: Joel 2-3 - The Day of the Lord - Deliverance & Judgment - PART 1

Joel 2 & 3 - “The Day of the
Lord” - Judgment &
Deliverance


Past, Present and Future


**Initial Thoughts for ROCK


1. Joel 2 Generation Blog & Podcast –



Mike Bickle – “Explanation: The term Joel’s army
has been used to signify the people who walk out the principles
of prayer with fasting as taught in Joel 2:12–17.


The term has been used much like “Joseph Company,” “Gideon Band,”
or “David Company” to signify the people who embraced the godly
qualities that Joel taught about prayer, fasting, and
wholehearted obedience. Paul Cain had a prophetic word about a
“Joel’s army in training,” referring to a group of people who
would give themselves to prayer and fasting according to Joel
2:12–17. When used like this,



“Joel’s army” does not refer specifically to the destroying army
mentioned in Joel 2:1–11, but to people who walk out the
lifestyle portrayed in Joel 2:12–17. The misunderstanding comes
from giving the title “Joel’s army” to both the destroying army
(Joel 2:1–11) and the group of people who give themselves to
fasting and prayer (Joel 2:12–17).”



2. Johnny Enlow – Red Sea moment – Judgment &
Deliverance



**Why study the Book of Joel?


The reason is because it was meant to be received as
a prophetic book to equip end-time forerunners
to prepare the unprepared for the unique
dynamics that will occur in the generation in
which Jesus returns. We study this three-chapter
prophecy because God has uniquely designed its message
to prepare the end-time Church for glory and
crisis in the Day of the Lord. Joel is a dynamic
instruction manual to prepare the Bride of
Christ for such a time as this.


In the Lord’s kindness, He has given this book as a
preparatory tool to equip the generation living at the Lord’s
return for the heightened scope of glory and crisis they will
encounter. (Mike Bickle)


**Context / Background – Joel 2 &
3


931BC – Kingdom Divides (Northern = 10 tribes /
Southern = 2 tribes


?? Joel written (800s)??


722BC – Assyrians (Judgment)


?? Joel written (from 606-586) – Mike Bickle??


586BC – Babylonians/Nebuchadnezzar – (Judgment)
- 70-year exile (586BC-516BC) 516BC - Persians
conquer Babylon - Cyrus decrees Jews can return to Jerusalem
516BC – Begin to Rebuild Temple


??Joel written (400s-300s)??


175BC – Antiochus IV Epiphanes conquered Israel
– Seleucid Dynasty. Deposed rightful High Priest (Zadok
Priesthood ended) – outlawed Jewish religious rituals (i.e.
circumcision), desecrated the Temple (slaughtered a pig), ordered
Jews to worship Zeus 166BC – Maccabean Revolt –
successful, cleansed Temple, Hanukkah established! Hasmonean
Dynasty began ruling.



153BC – High Priest, Jonathan the Hasmonean –
NOT a Zadokite! Hasmoneans had NO TIES to the line of David – so
illegitimate priesthood and rulership (kingship)! Later – King
Herod 110BC – Got Rome to recognize the
Hasmonean Kingdom – start conquering surrounding peoples, forcing
them (Gentiles) to convert to Judaism (especially Gentiles)



**Prophetic Fulfillment(s)?


Day of the Lord = Judgment, Justice,
Vindication


“Within Joel, the “day” refers not only to the final day of
judgment upon the nations (3:2) but also to God’s ongoing
judgment of Israel, both past and future (1:15, 2:2, 11), and
instances of His intervention between Israel and the nations
(3:1-2, 12, 14, 16). In each case, the “day of the Lord”
indicates a time when the presence of the Lord brings judgment
and/or deliverance and blessing, depending upon the
circumstances.


 


Therefore, although the “day” heralds destruction for the
nations, it also functions as a time of salvation for God’s
people: the Lord remains a refuge amid the chaos of judgment
(3:15-16).”



1. Past fulfillments (Red Sea, Assyrians, Babylonians, Acts 2,
Romans 10, AD70, Islam) 


2. Current Application / Ongoing fulfillment


3. Future fulfillment (Return of Christ, Final Judgment)



**AN OVERVIEW OF JOEL’S MESSAGE


 


A. Joel 1 – a natural disaster (agricultural
crisis)


 


B. Joel 2:1-11 – a military crisis (Babylonian
invasion of Israel as a type of the Antichrist’s empire)


 


C. Joel 2:12-17 – the response that God requires
in order to release protection and blessing


 


D. Joel 2:18-31 – the breakthrough of God’s
blessing (agriculturally, militarily, spiritually)


 


E. Joel 3 – God’s punishment of His enemies
(end-time Gentile nations attacking Israel)


**JOEL 2:1