by Geno Pyse
Joel 2:18-27
“Jealousy” is often viewed from a negative perspective; however, like anger, ambition, and passion, jealousy itself is neutral. We tend to view each of these as negative emotions because we see them abused and misapplied, having harmful and destructive results. We see jealousy as controlling, threatening, and manipulative; anger as explosive, violent, and abusive; ambition as greedy and self-seeking; passion as either lustful or reckless. Yet, each of these are beneficial and necessary if applied appropriately. Healthy anger protects and curbs injustice and unrighteousness. Healthy ambition provides industry and helpful advancements (e.g., machines, medicine, etc.). Healthy passion ignites flames in marriage, family, and relationships—including our relationship with God. Healthy jealousy is a protectant, a guard, a shield from that which would harm, defile, and destroy. Thus, God’s jealousy over His people is a very positive, good, and beneficial thing, as we shall see.
This passage in Joel reveals both prophecy and principle. That is, there are aspects that are “now and later.” In this message, we are taking a bird’s eye look at a principle: God’s incredible mercy in response to people’s repentance. When thinking about prayer, confession, and repentance consider the prayers of men like Nehemiah and Daniel (see Neh. 1:6-7; Dan. 9:5-6). It’s not just acknowledging the sins of others—it’s owning up to ours, too. It’s also worth noting that repentance is not a one-time action but an ongoing lifestyle.
God’s Character
Joel 2:13 tells us that God is gracious and merciful. In 2:18, we’re told He becomes “jealous.” The Hebrew word connects jealous and zealous together (which is why some translations use the word “zealous.” Furthermore, in verse 18, this word is directly connected to God having pity. Verses 19-27 reveal that from God’s jealousy and pity comes prosperity, restoration, peace, safety, food (even for animals), and His presence. It’s important we understand that the very essence of God’s character and being is GOOD. The chaos, evil, and pain in our world is because of sin—including ours. God has no pleasure in these. Rather, He desires people’s (and creation’s) well-being. Even when God judges people (whether His people or the godless), His desire is for people to repent; to turn from sin, to turn to Him, and to do what is just and right (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:30-32). Sometimes we have a difficult time trusting God because we (if we’re honest) equate Him with the sinfulness of people (i.e., fickle, manipulative, vengeful, apathetic). God’s love can be compared to a mother’s love for her child. A mom’s “jealousy” for her child (think of the term “mama bear”) when she perceives a potential danger. Whether this is a stranger, a hot stove, an aggressive dog, or poor behavior on the child’s part, Mama is “jealous” to protect her beloved. Her jealousy isn’t selfish or bad in any sense of the word. Her concern is for her child who is precious to her. And even when Mama has to discipline severely, her heart is receptive to her child when he comes to her and says sincerely, “Mommy, I’m sorry.”
God’s Initiative
People have a knack for ruining things and making them worse. The devastation caused by our sins (whether it’s our environment, community, health, relationships, reputation, legacy, etc.) can be irreparable, and more so if God brings judgement. But I hope you will notice God’s sovereign activities when persons genuinely repent. They aren’t left to cut their feet on the broken pieces of their own making. No! Rather, God Himself intervenes with fresh outflows of mercies (plural). God sends an abundance of grain, wine, and oil to satisfy. He removes and drives out enemies and invaders). He brings peace and safety (even to animals). He brings rain and restoration. And God reestablishes His presence in their midst.
When our lives were emptied of pleasure, meaning, and joy, God Himself allows us to begin feeling fulfilled, content, and glad. Previously, we might have experienced the onslaught of life’s curses, anxiety, depression, satanic accusations, and any number of “stripping locusts”. But God begins driving them away, silencing their boastful threats, and restoring to us peace. He also begins putting a hedge of protection around us and those close to us. God begins picking up broken pieces and fashioning them into something different, but altogether beautiful and beneficial. He also begins restoring life in what was barren and desolate. And what’s most incredible is that God doesn’t leave us. He draws near to us and desires that we continue to draw near to Him. All these wonderful things are God’s doings, not ours. And this all comes from His wonderful jealousy, accompanied by His pity.
God’s Commands
Within this passage, God gives some commands that can easily be overlooked. God tells His people to fear not, to be glad, and to rejoice. In the context of jealousy, these would seem like strange expectations. After all, people’s sinful jealousy usually arouses suspicion, insecurities, stress, anger, and “walking on eggshells.” But remember, God’s jealousy is protective and compassionate. God Himself brings forth all the restoration, peace, abundance, etc. His people need not walk nervously in shame, guilt, regret, or sense of insecurity. Rather, God’s commands are assurances that we can let down our guard, be at ease, breathe deeply, and be embraced by His love and favor.
God’s Presence
God promises He will be in the midst of His people. This promise should fill today’s believers with a greater sense of awe! Under the New Covenant, we read repeatedly that we are in Christ and that God indwells us! We are not shacks or tool sheds, but we are told that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (picture the imagery)! Furthermore, Revelation 21 reveals that the day is coming when our God will be among us and wipe away all tears and banish all death, suffering, tears, and sorrows.
Conclusion
The nature of sin is that it has negative and destructive consequences; this is true individually, corporately, and nationally. If it wasn’t for God’s loving jealousy, we would be ruined. But both the Old and New Testaments point to, and center on, Jesus Christ, the God, Savior, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all who will look to Him and put their trust in Him. All of us have sinned, and each of us still sin. While there is the one act of repenting from sin when we come to know Jesus as Savior, there’s also the continual need to confess sin (see 1 John 1:9). If neglected, ignored, or denied, sin still wreaks havoc in our lives, homes, churches, and world. If we are honest, we’ll acknowledge this is true. There’s plenty of evidence. Oh, but what would, and could, happen if we were to get serious about sin, confession, and repentance? Joel asks, “Who knows whether [God would] not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him…?” Who knows, would God renew and send revival to our church, churches in our area, our communities, even our nation?
Next Steps
- Self-evaluation. Take an honest look at your own heart, thoughts, actions, and words. It’s easy to see the specks in the eyes of the world while ignoring the lumber yards in our own. What sins are you harboring, justifying, and delighting in? They’re still sin and destructive. A sin by any other name is still sin.
- Confess. Be brutally honest with God about your sins, struggles, temptations, and failures. Just don’t sugarcoat, justify, or make excuses for them. All these do are make matters worse and lead us deeper into self-deception.
- Walk in confidence. God doesn’t take all the consequences away. We must feel the hurt of lessons to learn from them. However, God promises restoration, satisfaction, renewing, peace, and His presence.
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