Rev. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn

Joel 2:1-2

From our Executive Minister 

In the house where I grew up, everyone had household chores. My parents told us that when we got home from school, it was our responsibility to do our chores. One particular time, I did not come directly in the house to do my chores. Instead, I stayed outside and played with my friends. As a result, my parents placed me on punishment with no television, no phone, and no hanging out with my friends, because I did not do something they told me to do. They gave me this punishment, not because they didn’t love me, but simply to correct some bad behaviors in me.

In the second chapter of Joel, the people of God demonstrated some wicked and indifferent behavior in the sight of the Lord. God had given them a great responsibility. However, they disregarded God’s Word and were deliberate about doing what they wanted to do with their lives, rather than living how God wanted them to live. Fed up with the people’s behavior, the prophet Joel urges, at the sound of the trumpet, that all of the people, from the youngest to oldest, shall assemble, cry out and tremble before the Lord. He commands that the people come forth and publicly confess and repent before the Lord. Joel reminds the people that this is not something that should be taken lightly, but in fear of the Lord for the sake of correction.

Today, Joel’s words still ring true for each of us during this Lenten Season and everyday. God has given each of us a responsibility to live faithful and obedient lives unto God. When we don’t, we too must come forth and confess, as well as repent, anything that we have done that is not pleasing to God. God is calling us today to correct any indifferent, wicked, or sinful way within us, so that we might live faithfully unto our God who daily orders our steps with grace and mercy.

Prayer 

God of grace, help me to live faithfully. I confess that I have done some things that have not been pleasing in Your sight. Create in me a clean heart and renew in me a right spirit, so that I might live more faithfully unto You.

Thought for the day 

Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me.