Disasters

https://odb.org/MY/2022/08/12/drawn-by-disaster

A similar pattern emerges in the Old Testament of the Israelites living in the goodness of the blessings of God then forgetting Him and consequently disaster strikes for them to repent and remember the LORD. The disaster can come in the form of natural calamities or being overrun by the Assyrians, Babylonians or the Persians with the Israelites captured and brought to exile in foreign lands in the latter situations.

In the case during the time of Joel, the Israelites were over enjoying the wine made from the vineyards so much so that in their revelry God was far from their minds. They were drunk from the success of their toil. It was not undeserved as hardwork rewards but in all things, whether good or bad, we must give thanks to God and appreciate His work in our lives. They were His people and He their God and yet they had forgotten Him and ignored His laws and percepts. Thus God allowed the locusts in millions to swarm and devour their vineyards and fig trees with no more wine and olive oil to produce until the next harvest. All the hardwork gone and laid to waste. What was not eaten by the older locusts were devoured by the younger ones and what was not devoured by the younger ones were taken by even younger ones. It was a complete disaster. It brought them together to cry out to the LORD, to pray together in repentance for their sin and disobedience.

Some disasters are unavoidable or not directly attributable to our action or inaction. Yet some things happen because God wants to bring us back to Him. If it was avoidable, why don’t we avoid it? Be thankful and remember the Lord for His goodness. Testify of His great love and mercy. Give glory to His name. Don’t be greedy and over indulge. Don’t get drunk by strong drink or wine and forget we are children of God. We belong to Him and carry the name of Jesus with us. Don’t take the love, grace and mercy and goodness of God for granted. Serve Him and respond to His calling for our lives! Be a good and faithful servant, not the prodigal son!