S) "20 But Judah will be inhabited forever
And Jerusalem for all generations."
Joel 3:20 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Joel 3
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Joel 3
O) Perhaps the most important thing to point out while studying Joel, is captured in Joel 2:28-29. Because that took place at the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:17-18), then as we move through the rest of Joel's prophecy (in this case, all of chapter 3), then we must understand it to be taking place after the church age had started. With that understanding, reading through the rest of Joel, we easily understand that Judah and Jerusalem are spiritual symbols of God's people, but in the context of the church age, those people are no longer the political nation of Judah, or the geographical city of Jerusalem, but instead that God's people are the church itself, and the kingdom of God being spiritually established through Christ Jesus. There are certainly those who take this to have a more geo-political meaning, but I don't think there is a very strong case for it, given the readily apparent shift throughout the New Testament writings, from referring to the nation of Israel as God's people, to referring to Christians as the true Israel (see Romans 2:25-29).
A) So, in the context that Judah and Jerusalem are allusions to the Church and Christianity, this verse holds an immutable promise to me! There is a lot of fear in some circles of western Christianity, that our faith is under attack from politicians, atheists, or Islam. However, this verse comforts me, reminding me that I have nothing to fear whatsoever, that Christianity could ever be overcome. There has always been opposition from politicians, unbelievers, and threats from other religions. But, over and over and over, the truth of Christ Jesus and the power of the gospel overcomes. The church will be inhabited forever, God's kingdom for all generations.
P) Father, You are victorious. You are omnipotent and sovereign, and no one could ever defeat the one who defeated sin and death. While Your final judgment is still coming, I wait patiently. I am secure in Christ, no matter who may come against Him and me. Thank You for Your promises, which no one and no power can ever break. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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