Daily Thoughts from Joel: Compelling Vision (3:17-21)

“So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain.  And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.

“And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.

“Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.  But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations.  I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion.”  (Joel 3:17-21 ESV)

The ultimate blessing for Israel is that Yahweh will dwell in Zion (Jerusalem) forever and safeguard her against enemy intrusions forever.  He will bless His people with prosperity and visit judgment upon all those who have shed her blood.  Yahweh dwells in Zion!

This prophecy has yet to be fulfilled and awaits the return of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 19,20).  Israel will yet have this place of honor among the nations (Zechariah 14).  Then the heavenly Jerusalem will succeed the earthly one (Revelation 21,22) where we will dwell with God forever on the new earth.  Living with Him is our ultimate yearning.  What we experienced in Eden, that immediate intimacy with our Creator, will once again be restored.  Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Can such a vision so fill our minds, as Joel wished for it to fill his people’s minds, that we not only long for that day but find it filling us with courage and conviction to daily seek first God and His kingdom, praying that it would come and that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven?  If so, then Joel’s prophecy has done its work.