It’s a small book and yet it has significant truths and implications. There are words of profound encouragement and warning.
What we Learn
- Do not Divide up Israel.
I get it that this is a touchy issue. I’m just pointing out what the Scriptures say. God has given Israel as an eternal inheritance to the Jewish people. He does not take lightly those who try to divide the land or scatter the people. - Repentance is the Entrance
This was God’s people. Covenant people. Yet they had strayed so far from the LORD. He tells them several times to rend their heart, leave everything, and come before the LORD in repentance. Perhaps the LORD would relent from the terrible things that were to come upon them as righteous judgment for their sins.
We cannot have a gospel without repentance.
- The LORD desires restoration.
The LORD says if they will return to him, then he will restore the time the locusts have destroyed the land. He will bring back their prosperity, put joy in their hearts and bless the people again. He does not delight in judgment but he He will bring it if necessary. Nor does he delight in destitution as He would much rather bring restoration if they repent
- There is a future hope.
One day the LORD will pour out His spirit on all people. This happened in Acts 2. The hope of the world is the Messiah. They had to look forward to that time coming. We look back to see that it happened. But Jesus is central to us all.
