God’s Mercy is the Moral of the Story

Joel 1

Happy birthday to Dr. Seuss! Did you know he was challenged to write a book using only 50 words? Out of that challenge a book was born that would not only take the world by storm, but forever answer the question of where it is appropriate to eat ham. In the rain, on a plane, in a house or even with a mouse! And I trust that when he said ham, he meant all kinds – like bacon and pork chops!

One of the amazing things about Green Eggs & Ham is that it’s not just blank, silly, rhyme play, but there is a real moral to the story! No, it’s not about eating green eggs – in fact, no one should eat green eggs. But it is about trying something new and being open to new opportunities. There is a message and it is important. We are embarking on a series in the book of Joel; he, not unlike Dr. Suess, Aesop, Hans Christian Anderson, or even the Brothers Grimm, uses some fantastical imagery and ideas to grasp his readers’ attentions and draw them to a moral point, redirecting them back to God as their priority. Joel’s message showed the Israelites the destruction their sin caused while reminding them of the hope they have in God’s mercy. And unlike many of the fable writers, Joel’s story has a happy ending, where the negative past foreshadows a positive future; even though they are going to need to stand up in the storm.

Stories are Not Simply Entertainment

Have you ever taken time to really think through some of the children’s fables we all know so well? These are rather dark stories! Hansel & Gretel is a cautionary tale about facing temptation in extreme circumstances, while The Little Mermaid (the original, not the Disney version) is not a romance, but a tragic tale of unrequited love! These are not simple bedtime stories, but parables and poems that were used to teach the deep meanings of life. In much the same way, Joel, as the narrator, commands people to pay attention and prepare. He doesn’t simply make up rhymes like our famous fables writers, but by not recalling a specific event, his focus is more on the imagery and feeling his readers would experience – specifically feelings of dread. By referencing their past, Joel shows them how bad it is to be trapped where they are and the only hope they have is to call on the Lord for help. The imagery is meant to both remind and scare. By calling back to a recent locust swarm and referencing back to the plagues in Egypt, Joel is ringing alarm bells of imminent disaster. Resources are drying up, pressure is mounting, and this disaster of epic proportions is on its way. READ v15-16. This is not a pretty sight. Israel has two options in front of them: continue on this path of destruction and continue leaning fully into their sinful choices, or turn back to God, putting Him back in His rightful spot as the top priority in their lives. This is where Joel does more than just warn his people through story: he actually leads by example.

Joel Gives an Example to Follow

READ v19-20. Joel steps in with more than words, but with action. At the end of this chapter, Joel turns from warning to pleading. Changing to a focus on God directly, Joel prays and calls out for help, showing himself as an example for others to follow. He is in this situation with his fellow countrymen and is set to face the very same disaster they all do, but Joel knows where to turn. And he leads the way. George Washington chose to live among his troops at Valley Forge instead of retreating to more comfortable quarters. This bonded him with his troops, as he shared in the hardships and inconveniences of that dreadful winter alongside them. He was not just the boss but the example – if he can do it, we can do it. (MountVernon.org) Joel was with his people, calling his people out of a life of sin, and showed himself as one of them, being the first to get on his knees and repent, seeking the God of mercy even in the threat of punishment.

Next Steps

Times may have changed, but we are still in the same boat. Destruction is coming; our sin set that in motion (for the wages of sin is death), and our only option is to cry out to God for help. Heed Joel’s message of warning and his own call of repentance (v19) and turn yourself over to God, who is rich in mercy, for as Romans 10:13 says – everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

1. Pray over this and journal your thoughts – is there a part of me I am holding back from God? Does He have all of you or part of you?
2. Choose humility and live repentedly in front of others.
3. Pass on the story in word and deed. Live out and share the truth of God.

“Sam, if you will let me be, I will try them. You will see. Say! I like green eggs & ham! I do! I like them Sam I am! And I would eat them in a boat! And I would eat them with a goat. And I will eat them in the rain. And in the dark. And on a train. And in a car. And in a tree. They are so good so good you see!” (Green Eggs and Ham) Destruction is coming; be the example – cry out to God and lead others to Him – He’s our only hope!