Joel 2:12-13

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.

Joel 2:12-13

A lot of people speak of God in the Old Testament as a bloodthirsty, vengeful deity with anger issues. Yes, the Old Testament is does have its share of God’s judgment and that judgment being executed. But what people fail to see is the true heart of God against the backdrop of man’s heart and their rebellion towards God.

In the passage above, the people of God were destined for judgment because their sins were many and their wickedness and rebellion prevented God’s blessings. But the Lord speaks to this rebellious people, expresses His heart to them to repent, shows them His desire to forgive and be merciful, blesses them with kindness, and relents from having to cause harm.

His heart is the same for us. There is no enjoyment when God has to decree his judgments on the unrepentant. He wants to bless us, He wants to showcase His mercy and kindness, but there must be repentance. Our hearts must turn to His heart, and when we do, it will be met with grace indescribable.

Pastor Jason Witt