”…Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12
The Coronavirus is threatening people all over the world as it has infected over 34,000 people across 25 countries and territories, similarly, the nation of Judah has been severely damaged by a locust plague, it affected all facets of the society (Joel Ch.1). Joel enters the scene warning the people that a day of greater judgment and punishment was coming if they failed to repent. The locust plague was sent by God to wake up the people from spiritual slumber. The people have grown apart from God and forgotten their dependence on Him. God wants them to repent genuinely.
True repentance makes us realize that time is precious and one moment spent outside the relationship with God is just one moment too long. Like children of Israel, God’s children might have violated the covenant which they made with God, because of sinful behavior in thought, word or deed which has destroyed the perfect connection with God, yet God always calls us back. True repentance involves a complete and total change in one’s life, starts with a change of heart, mind and also seen outwardly through actions. Fasting, weeping, and mourning are all evidence of true and genuine repentance. Our gracious and compassionate God holds out for us, desiring a personal, caring relationship with each one of us. We are truly special to Him. We are His children! How close is your relationship with God? Do you need to return to Him? He is holding out for you to come back!