Homilist Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, said the LORD, turn you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:… Three things. I. ITS PROCESS. Turning to the Lord. The unregenerate man is an alien from God. Like the prodigal son, he has left his father's house, and gone into the far country of carnality and sin. Reform is turning and directing his steps back to God. Soul-reformation is not turning from one doctrine or church, or habit, to another, but turning to God, going back with all its deepest love to Him. But in turning there is deep moral contrition; "fasting," and "weeping," and "mourning," and "rending of the heart." Soul-reformation begins in genuine repentance for past sins. II. ITS URGENCY. Therefore also now, saith the Lord. There is nothing more urgent; everything must make way for this; until this is done, nothing is done properly. Now, because — 1. The work is of the most paramount importance. 2. The time for accomplishing it is very short. Whatever other work you adjourn to a future time, for your soul's sake adjourn not this for a single hour. III. ITS ENCOURAGEMENT. "For He is gracious and merciful,"... "repenteth Him of the evil." The word "deprecateth" would be better than "repenteth." The inflicting of sufferings on His creatures is repugnant to His nature. "He desireth not the death of the sinner." What an encouragement it is to the sinner to turn to the Lord, to be assured that he will be welcomed with all the love and tender sympathy of an affectionate Father. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: |
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