Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery. Joel. 2:17.

Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Titus. 2:14.  

Reading the verses ahead of Joel 2:17, we read of God declaring that the people need to return to Him with “all their heart.” This includes everyone from elders to children, brides and bridegrooms, and the priests. Verse 14 is interesting, the prophet says “Who know? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.” Maybe God will listen and spare the people? That’s not very reassuring – the people are to sincerely turn back to God, and change their hearts, sort of a bargain with God.  

It is the priests who are to weep before the altar and plead with God. Note that they are pleading for God to spare the people of Judah who apparently do not seem worthy of sparing unless they all come together and turn their hearts back to God. The priests are asking God to do this so, that God’s promises will not be seen to be meaningless. After all, other nations would see God abandoning His people. Which He does not do.  

In Joel the people are told to make sacrifices and atone, they need to work to be spared. In Titus, (as in the Gospels) we read that Christ has already sacrificed for our salvation. We certainly still have to repent of sins as did the people in Joel’s time. Redemption has already been done in the saving action of Christ – He has already redeemed us from all our sin. We need only respond and act as Christ has told us. “Zealous for good deeds” – such as feeding the hungry, housing those experiencing homelessness, healing the sick and working for peace.      

Steadfast Lord, you have released your people from the prison of sin by offering your only son as our ransom. Loving Redeemer, the price you paid for us was so high, we will never understand it. This act of selfless love through your sacrifice has saved us. Give us zeal to proclaim your good news to others, especially to those whose hearts are closed to your words. Amen.  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party