8 March 2009

Text: Joel 2

“MY PEOPLE SHALL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME”

(I) WHAT IS THIS “SHAME?”

“…My people shall never be put to shame.” Joel 2:27

1. Shame is a feeling

2. It is also a state of affairs

3. Two aspects must be clearly distinguished:-

a) Initial shame

b) Perpetual shame

(II) SOME EPERIENCES THAT BROUGHT SHAME (INITIAL)

1. Shame of being defeated by life’s problem

“Be ashamed, you farmers..” Joel 1:11

2. Shame of being defenceless against enemies (Joel 1:6)

3. Shame of having a land devastated (Joel 1:17-18; 3:2)

4. Shame of reproach from enemies (Joel 2:17)

5. Shame of being sold off as slaves (Joel 3:3)

7. Shame of having their Temple looted (Joel 3:5)

8. Shame of reproach from enemies (Joel 3)

(III) THE PROMISE THAT WE WOULD NOT BE PUT TO SHAME

1. Initial shame may be felt

a) This was deemed necessary

b) The defeats experienced were meant to chasten Israel

c) They were meant to cause them to return to God

d) Perpetual shame would be the fate if there is no returning to the Lord

2. Perpetual shame is not in God’s plan

a) There is a difference between initial shame and perpetual shame

b) God promised that His people would not be in perpetual shame

(IV) HOW GOD WOULD FULFILL THIS PROMISE

1. In place of shame there would be great and obvious blessings

2. Great blessings from God would signify great honour

a) Physical blessings

i) Restoration (Joel 2:25)

ii) Abundant Provision (Joel 2:26)

b) Spiritual blessings

i) The outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29)

ii) God’s presence among His people (Joel 2:27)

iii) God’s protection of His people (Joel 3:16)