COURSE TITLE : Ancient Prophets Of Israel

COURSE CODE: CRS 402

GROUP ASSIGNMENT: Discuss the message of the book of Joel and its relevance to contemporary
society.

INSTITUTION: Lagos State University

GROUP MEMBERS:

1) BANJO OLUWASEUN EZEKIEL: 210351015

2) SHABE TIMOTHY TAIWO: 210122008

3) ISIYEMI ADEDOTUN JOHN: 210122005

The Book of Joel is a prophetic text in the Old Testament that addresses the nation of Israel’s suffering
due to a devastating plague of locusts, calling the people to repentance and highlighting God’s promise
of restoration and future blessings.

The Book of Joel is a short yet powerful book in the Bible written by the prophet Joel. The book is often
believed to have been written during a time of great distress for the people of Israel, possibly around
the 9th century BC. In this text, Joel describes a catastrophic event – a locust plague that has devastated
the land, ruining crops and causing severe famine. The locust infestation serves as a metaphor for
judgement from God due to the people’s sins and their neglect of faithfulness to Him. The main theme
in the book is the day of the Lord ( a day of mercy and judgement), Joel’s message begins with a national
disaster (a locust plague) and transforms it into a prophetic message that reaches beyond his time to
speak about repentance, restoration, and revival.

Joel opens the book with a call to attention, urging the elders and the inhabitants of the land to witness
and understand the disaster that has fallen upon them (Joel 1:1-2). He describes the locusts devouring
everything in their path, leading to a call for lamentation and fasting. The prophet emphasizes the
urgency for the people to recognize their sinful ways and return to God to receive healing and
restoration. This call to repentance resounds throughout the text, serving as a major theme of the book.

In the second chapter, Joel speaks of a future day of the Lord, which signifies both judgement and
restoration. He paints a vivid picture of an army that advances like the locusts, symbolizing the potential
for God’s wrath upon the people if they do not repent. In Joel 2:12-13, the Lord beckons the people to
return to Him with all their hearts, highlighting the fact that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.

The book talks about the hope of restoration that will come following the repentance of the people. Joel
emphasizes that, even though judgement is on the way, God desires to bless His people. In Joel 2:25,
God promises to restore what the locusts have eaten, showing His commitment to His covenant with
Israel. The latter part of the chapter speaks of the outpouring of the Spirit, wherein both men and
women will prophesy, and dreams and visions will occur (Joel 2:28-29). This foreshadows the events of
Pentecost where the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers (Acts 2:17-18).

In the final chapter, Joel reminds the nations that God will gather all nations and judge them for their
actions against Israel. This final section emphasizes the hope and assurance of God’s protection over His
people. The promise of a renewed Jerusalem, where God will dwell among His people, is a central focus
in the conclusion of the book, revealing God’s ultimate purpose of restoring His creation.

The Book of Joel is marked by its vivid imagery and urgent call to repentance. Its message is relevant for
believers today as it emphasizes the seriousness of sin, the importance of returning to God, and the
hope found in His promise of restoration and blessings. The themes of judgement and grace reflected in
this book resonate throughout the Bible, calling the faithful to remain steadfast in their relationship with
God.

Lessons From The Book of Joel

1) The Importance of Repentance: The first lesson we learn from the Book of Joel is the significance of
repentance. Throughout the text, Joel urges the people to return to God with sincerity in their hearts.
This is seen in Joel 2:12-13, where the Lord implores the people to turn back to Him. Repentance is not
just about feeling sorry for sins, but it involves a genuine change of heart and behavior. It invites
individuals to acknowledge their shortcomings and seek forgiveness from God.

In our modern lives, repentance remains relevant. We face temptations and distractions that may lead
us away from a faithful walk with God. The Book of Joel teaches us that there is hope and mercy when
we turn back to Him. Whether we stumble in our personal struggles or face forces that challenge our
faith, God is always ready to forgive and restore us, provided we approach Him genuinely.

The act of repentance also brings about healing. Joel encourages his readers to fast and lament during a
time of distress. Through collective mourning for their sins, the people can experience a united return to
God, fostering a supportive faith community. This also highlights how individual repentance positively
impacts the larger community. When one turns back to God, it helps others find their way too.

2) God’s Promises of Restoration: The second lesson that resonates from the Book of Joel is the
assurance of God’s promises of restoration. Following the messages of judgement, Joel lifts a message of
hope. The prophet relays that God will restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). This
demonstrates God’s faithfulness despite the consequences of sin. God not only desires to judge but to
bless His people abundantly.

This lesson teaches us about the enduring nature of God’s grace. Even in our lowest moments, God
wants to restore us. It is important to recognize that God’s restoration may not always come in the way
we expect. While material blessings are one aspect, God often restores us spiritually and emotionally,
giving us peace and renewed purpose. The promises of restoration can also extend to our relationships,
family, and community.

3) Hope and Restoration (Joel 2:18–27): “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has
eaten…” (Joel 2:25). God promises to heal the land and bless His people after they turn back to Him.
Restoration includes peace, prosperity, fruitfulness, and joy.

4) Outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28–29): “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh…” This is one of the most
prophetic and far-reaching promises. Fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2) and continues today in revivals,
spiritual renewal, and personal transformation. It includes everyone: sons, daughters, old, young, male,
female, servants.

5) Judgment of Nations (Joel 3): God will judge the nations for their violence, injustice, and oppression.
God’s justice is global, not just personal.

Contemporaries Relevance of the book of Joel

Today, we face disasters — pandemics, climate change, wars, corruption, and economic collapse. Joel
reminds us these could be divine wake-up calls prompting us to evaluate our spiritual state.

Modern society often engages in religious formalities without true transformation. Joel calls for deep,
personal and national repentance — a turning from sin to God. This is especially urgent in an age of
moral confusion, injustice, and spiritual apathy.

Many people today feel broken, wasted, or lost. God is still in the business of restoring broken lives,
wasted opportunities, and barren lands — spiritually, emotionally, economically, and socially.

The message affirms that God's Spirit is not restricted to pastors or prophets — it’s for all believers.We
need the Holy Spirit today to confront issues like: Spiritual dryness, Lack of discernment, Moral
confusion, Youth disengagement in the Church.

Today, we see injustice, human trafficking, oppression, war, and exploitation. Joel reminds us that God
sees it all — and a day of divine justice is coming. No evil deed will go unpunished.

Lessons and Applications for Today

1. National and Personal Crisis Can Be a Call to Spiritual Awakening. Just like the locust plague, crises
should drive us to prayer and self-examination.

2. Repentance is the Path to RevivalGod is always ready to forgive, but we must turn back to Him with
sincerity.

3. God Can Restore Lost Time, Whether through sin, delay, hardship, or mistakes, God can redeem your
years.

4. The Holy Spirit is For All. God wants to pour out His Spirit on young and old, rich and poor, male and
female, empowering the Church to impact society.
5. God is a Just Judge. Evil may seem to flourish temporarily, but God’s judgment is sure.

Conclusion

The message of Joel is not just ancient prophecy, it's a living call to our generation:

A wake-up call in times of crisis.

A heartfelt invitation to return to God.

A promise of restoration and spiritual renewal.

A vision of hope through the Holy Spirit.

A reminder of divine justice.

Joel speaks clearly to a confused, broken, and distracted world:

“Return to the Lord your God… and He will restore you.”