“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” (Joel 2:12-13, ESV)
In these verses, the prophet Joel brings a powerful message from God to His people—a call to repentance. But this repentance isn’t about outward shows of piety; it’s about a deep, inner change of heart. The Lord desires more than just the tearing of garments or empty rituals. He calls for a rending of the heart, a true, heartfelt return to Him.
As Lutherans, we understand that repentance is not something we do on our own, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The law convicts us of our sins, and the gospel offers us the sweet assurance of God’s grace and mercy. Joel’s message reminds us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s invitation to return is always open. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in steadfast love.
In times of personal or communal crisis, when we are confronted with our failures and sins, Joel’s call echoes in our hearts. God does not delight in our destruction but desires our restoration. His mercy is greater than our sin, and His love abounds even when we are at our lowest.
Let this be a reminder today: God calls us to return to Him with our whole hearts, trusting not in our own efforts but in His boundless mercy. As we confess our sins and turn back to Him, we find a God who is not only ready to forgive but who also relents from sending calamity. In Christ, we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven, and we are welcomed back into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
Let us pray:
Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank You for Your mercy and steadfast love. Turn our hearts back to You in true repentance. Help us to trust in Your forgiveness and to live in the freedom that comes from Your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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