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Joel 2 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The plague of locusts would be devastating and overpowering. Their appearance would be like horses as they scaled walls like men and dodged arrows with speed and agility. The scene is poetic and reads almost like a Sci-Fi blockbuster film. This plague is sent by God to do His will. Again, as I outlined yesterday, the point is that God will make good on His promise to completely eradicate evil and suffering forever. For those who know Jesus, it will be a moment of justice. For those who do not, it will be their darkest hour. But I want to go back to the army for a moment…
The locusts have been given a divine purpose and they execute God’s plan with absolute precision. Verses 7-8 represent a powerful metaphor for how to respond to God’s battle plan.
They attack as warriors attack; they scale walls as men of war do. Each goes on his own path, and they do not change their course. 8 They do not push each other; each man proceeds on his own path. They dodge the arrows, never stopping.
Joel 2:7-8 HCSB
Let’s expand the application. God has raised up an army to battle in His Name against the spiritual forces that seek to steal, kill and destroy. He has given freedom, purpose, and a mission. He has given orders of rank and has set before each person a path. Your path is different than mine. You may be called to the middle of the attack while I am called to the outside lane. Each of us moves forward in our own lane as we also work together to accomplish the Father’s will in the grand scheme of life.
The imagery is striking. Consider how Joel describes the balance of unity and individuality.
- They attack as warriors each on their own path and do not change course.
- They do not push against each other, but each fulfills the responsibilities that God has put before them.
- They dodge arrows never stopping, relentless in their pursuit to see the victory in the end.
Galatians 6 brings a New Testament perspective to these thoughts.
Stay on your path and do not change course. Galatians 6:5 HCSB For each person will have to carry his own load.
Do not push against each other. Galatians 6:10 HCSB Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Never stop. Galatians 6:9 HCSB So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
There is a degree to which we each have a battle to face directly in front of us. God has given us His divine power to face that challenge. But, we are also called to function as one, not battling against one another in the church but working as a unified front in gracious obedience. Finally, the Bible speaks extensively of the patient endurance that each of us should have when following Christ. The fuel in our tanks is the love and grace of our Savior who paid it all!
When considering all of this, there are many difficult questions we can wrestle through. Have you changed your course lately and strayed from what you know God has called you to? Have you been wrestling against those in the Body who are seeking to follow Jesus? Are you at a place of giving up?
The hope is that Jesus’ love is deeper than any of our struggles or insecurities. When we step out in faith, He is faithful!