Joel 1:1-20 - The "Day of the LORD" was a time eagerly anticipated by the Israelites when God would judge the nations and restore Israel to its former glory. Joel reminds Israel that the Day of the Lord is a day of reckoning, not just for opposing nations, but for unfaithful Israel as well. In fact - the the very presence of the nations and their hostility towards Israel, is an instrument of judgment in God's hand. The "Day of the LORD" will bring judgment as well as joy. As Christians we too long for the "Day of the LORD". What should this longing look like? What is the proper form our anticipation should take?
Romans 10:1-21 - Here Paul speaks of the universal message of salvation, found through faith in Christ's righteousness alone. This gospel is for all people (Jew and Greek) - there is no distinction. Here, and throughout the Bible, we experience the tension of divine sovereignty and the human will. It is Christ who gives us faith - yet it is we who believe. It is we who are sent to preach the good news - yet it is God who has "shown (Himself)" and who has "held out His Hands . . ." Do you find it at all difficult to live in this tension? How do we use God's sovereignty as an excuse for sin in our lives? How might our obsession with our own autonomy and "free will" indicate our sinful pride and arrogance? How should we navigate these pitfalls?
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