Today's reading is the beginning of Joel, a prophet who offers hope in God's long-range vision. Like the other prophets, though, Joel must explain the current suffering of God's people. He begins by pointing out the destruction of the land in the wake of an invasion. In particular, there is famine and hunger. For Joel, the best response to this is simple -- repent and pray. Confess past wrongdoing and pray that God bring about "the day of the Lord," when all will be set right.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Joel 1:1-20 today.
