A Reflection by Roy Pearson on the Old Testament Reading for Monday, November 10, 2025 from the Daily Office.
Introduction
The book of Joel opens with a sobering picture — a nation brought to its knees by disaster. What begins as a description of a locust plague quickly becomes something far deeper: a spiritual wake-up call. God is using the devastation to draw His people’s attention back to Himself.
Though Joel wrote thousands of years ago, his message still echoes through our world today. In a time of global turmoil, environmental challenges, economic uncertainty, and moral confusion, the call of Joel 1:1–13 remains the same — wake up, repent, and return to the Lord.
The Meaning of Joel 1:1–13
1. God’s Word to a Troubled Nation
“The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel.” (Joel 1:1)
Joel begins by affirming that his message is not human wisdom but divine truth. God Himself is speaking — not merely about locusts, but about hearts that have drifted away.
2. The Total Devastation
“What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten…” (Joel 1:4)
The prophet describes complete ruin. Each wave of locusts strips away what the previous one missed, leaving the land barren. It’s a picture of compounded loss — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Joel tells the people to remember and retell this lesson to future generations, so they will never forget what happens when a nation turns away from God.
3. Wake Up from Spiritual Sleep
“Wake up, you drunkards, and weep!” (Joel 1:5)
The prophet calls out those who have become numb to reality — not only through wine, but through distraction, comfort, or indifference. The message is urgent: Wake up before it’s too late.
God sometimes allows our comfort to be shaken so that our hearts can be stirred.
4. A Time for Mourning and Reflection
“Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the betrothed of her youth.” (Joel 1:8)
Joel compares the nation’s sorrow to a young bride who has lost her beloved. The grief is deep and personal. Even the priests cannot bring offerings, for the fields have yielded nothing. Worship itself has been interrupted — a sign that spiritual and material life are inseparably connected.
5. A Call to Repentance
“Despair, you farmers… Put on sackcloth, you priests; mourn…” (Joel 1:11, 13)
Every group — workers, leaders, and spiritual guides — is called to humble themselves before God. The way forward is not through human effort but through repentance and dependence on the Lord.
Only then can the nation be healed and restored.
Application for Today
Joel’s message is timeless. Though we may not see locusts devouring crops, we face “locusts” of our own — broken relationships, moral decay, social division, and spiritual dryness. God still speaks through the storms of our world, asking us to return to Him.
1. God Is Calling Us to Wake Up
Many today live in distraction — focused on entertainment, success, or comfort. But Joel’s words pierce through the noise: Wake up and see what God is doing! The hardships of our time can serve as holy alarms, calling us back to prayer, humility, and obedience.
2. Recognizing God’s Warnings
Crises — whether personal or national — are not just random. They remind us of our dependence on God. Like the locust plague in Joel’s day, they strip away false securities so we can see what truly matters: our relationship with Him.
3. Restoration Is Still Possible
Later in Joel, God promises:
“I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.” (Joel 2:25)
That promise still stands. When we repent and return to God, He brings healing, renewal, and even greater blessings than before. What the enemy or the world has taken, God can restore in His mercy.
4. Return to True Worship
The priests could no longer bring offerings because the harvest was gone. Likewise, when our hearts are dry, even our worship can feel empty. Joel reminds us that true worship flows from a heart surrendered to God, not from ritual or routine.
Reflection
Take a moment to ask:
- What “locusts” have invaded my life — things that have drained my peace, faith, or joy?
- What might God be teaching me through these challenges?
- How can I turn my focus back to Him today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You humbled, knowing that without You we are lost.
When life feels barren or broken, remind us to turn our eyes to You.
Forgive us for our complacency, our distractions, and our pride.
Awaken our hearts to Your truth, and restore to us the joy of Your salvation.
Heal our land, renew our spirits, and make us a people who honor You in all we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord awaken your spirit to His presence,
Renew what the locusts have eaten in your life,
And fill your heart with peace, faith, and gratitude.
May you walk each day in awareness of His mercy,
And may His light guide you through every storm.
Amen.
The Curious Pilgrims 