How should we think about disasters? Around the globe, people regularly experience famines, wars, plagues, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks. As our hearts go out to the victims, we struggle to make sense of the suffering. But as Joel 1 reminds us, in a world where God is sovereign, every catastrophe should be interpreted as a signal of coming judgment, a call for genuine repentance, and an invitation to cry out to God for mercy. It is difficult to place Joel’s ministry within any specific historical context. Unlike most Biblical prophets, Joel is not identified with the reigns of any particular kings. His father’s name was Pethuel, but we know nothing more about him. Though many scholars suspect that Joel lived in the ninth century BC, there is no firm consensus. Actually, this may serve as an advantage, for it gives the book a timeless feel that makes it easy to apply in any age (v 1). Joel had witnessed a massive infiltration of locusts devastating the land. Evidently the crisis was unprecedented in Israel’s history: “Has such a thing happened in your days or in the days of your fathers?” Joel’s rhetorical question highlights the gravity of the conditions, which demand undivided focus now, and will be talked about for generations to come (v 2-3). Today in America the threat of a locust invasion seems quite remote, but it’s a phenomenon well-known in some parts of the world today. Once locusts have swarmed, they are almost impossible to stop. With a voracious appetite, they will destroy all plant life in their path (v 4). Recognizing the national calamity as God’s judgment against sin, Joel calls the people to respond with prayerful repentance. Three groups most directly affected by the disaster are specifically addressed. While others might shrug off the loss of Israel’s vineyards, at least the heavy drinkers won’t do that! Joel urges them to awake from their intoxication, weep over their obvious loss, and wail publicly. The priests, who utilize the fruit in their offerings, are urged to lament. And farmers, who reap the harvest, are also in despair (v 5-12). Following Solomon’s example, Joel exhorts the religious leaders to lead the way in turning to God. They must put on sackcloth, mourn, declare a holy fast, and call a sacred assembly. Why the urgency? “For the day of the LORD is near.” The contemporary situation points to a more terrifying time in the future, when the Almighty will bring an even greater destruction. Moved with compassion, Joel ends the chapter with his own prayer (v 13-20). For further meditation: