Repent, Believe, Receive

The world is dark, run by evil forces in the heavenly realms. We are born sinners, enslaved to the passions of our flesh along with everyone else. Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

The answer is simple: Repent - turn to God for mercy and grace. Joel calls on the nation of Israel to do just that as they watch the invading army decimate the Northern Kingdom. 

Joel 2:15–17 (ESV) Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; 16 gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. 17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”

The words, "blow the trumpet," were the call of a herald to get ready for war. But in this context, the war is with sin that had permeated the culture of Israel. In other words, make WAR against SIN. This is a national appeal. Joel calls both young and old, as well as religious leaders and non-leaders, to seek God. What can we expect when we respond and repent? Joel lets us know that we can believe God for restoration and blessing!

Joel 2:18–20 (ESV) Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. 19 The LORD answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations. 20 “I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things.

First, we repent, then we believe. What do we believe? We believe in the amazing grace of God for humbled sinners. We must believe God rewards and restores His people who humble themselves and repent. 

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

What is repentance but the path back to God, who is the source of all blessings and every good and perfect gift?

James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

On and on for several chapters, Joel highlights the blessing they can believe in:

Joel 2:23 (ESV) “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.

He highlights the best blessing of all - God's presence among them.

Joel 2:26–27 (ESV) “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. 27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

Finally, there is a passage quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost when he preached the Gospel and confronted the Jews who handed Jesus over to the Romans to be crucified, but God raised Him back to life. 

Joel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

What happens in Acts 2, when the Jewish people repent and believe the Gospel? They are instructed to RECEIVE the Spirit. 

The good news has not changed. It's still the same three simple steps to a life filled with purpose, God's presence, and the power of the Holy Spirit. First, we repent, turning to God. Then we believe He is good and gracious. Then we receive the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life. 

This is why the Holy Spirit led Peter to quote from Joel in that moment. God was offering the same thing to them that Joel provided here, and every Gospel preacher is called to offer today. 

Don't do life on your terms; submit to God. Don't let the devil convince you God is out to get you; He wants to bless you. And don't think you can handle His calling in your own power; receive His Holy Spirit today. 

Amen.