January 29
Lesson 9 (KJV)
God Promises His Presence
Devotional Reading: Exodus 33:12–23
Background Scripture: Joel 1:1–4; 2:18–31
Joel 2:21–27
21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.
22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree, and the vine yield their strength.
23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26 And ye shall eat in plenty, be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you: my people shall never be ashamed.
27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Key Text
Ye shall know that I am amid Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.—Joel 2:27
From Darkness to Light
Unit 2: God’s Promises
Lessons 5–9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List elements of cause and effect.
2. Compare and contrast today's text's positive and negative imperatives.
3. Express confident assurance of God’s presence in his or her life.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Rebuilding After Loss
B. Lesson Context
I. God’s Renewal (Joel 2:21–25)
A. Fearless Occasion (v. 21)
B. Fruitful Land (vv. 22–25)
The Year Without a Summer
II. God’s Reminders (Joel 2:26–27)
A. His Wondrous Work (v. 26)
Wrong Ingredients
B. His Commitment (v. 27)
Conclusion
A. Total Restoration
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
How to Say It
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Ethanim |
Eth-uh-nim. |
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Joash |
Jo-ash. |
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Nisan |
Nye-san. |
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Pethuel |
Peth-you-el. |
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Tishri |
Tish-ree. |
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Tyre |
Tire. |
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Zidon |
Zye-dun. |
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What Do You Think? What are some of the great things that God has promised you? Digging Deeper How will you “be glad and rejoice” in light of these promises? |
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What Do You Think? How can believers praise God for His care over creation? Digging Deeper How can believers engage in creation care as an act of worship to God without worshipping creation itself? |
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What Do You Think? How can you share the overflow of your life’s blessings with your neighbors? Digging Deeper How can believers avoid a “we won’t have enough left” mindset regarding such sharing? |
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What Do You Think? How do you differentiate feelings of guilt from feelings of shame? Digging Deeper How can focusing on Jesus’ promises (2 Corinthians 12:9–10), provision (Philippians 4:19), forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and humility (Hebrews 9:26) serve to break the power of shame? |
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What Do You Think? What do you need to remove from your life so you will be better aware of the Lord’s presence? Digging Deeper Who will you invite as an accountability partner to help in this regard? |
Conclusion
A. Total Restoration
A plague of destructive insects with accompanying feelings of terror—like the one described in this lesson’s text—might be incomprehensible to modern audiences. Therefore, the joy from God’s promised renewal might seem equally foreign.
However, modern audiences of Joel’s prophecy can take away two applications. First, the text serves as an ancient reminder regarding a present reality: the importance of maintaining hope during seasons of suffering. Joel promised the people that hope was possible in the midst of tragedy and suffering. Joel’s words, directed to a people amid hardship, reoriented their expectations. Disaster and shame changed to flourishing and celebration because of God’s great work of renewal.
Although sin brings consequences, as it did for the people of Judah, God will not ignore or disregard His people. Instead, God can bring joy to replace sorrow. His timetable may not be ours, and He may not immediately bring joy or fix our suffering. However, His people can take comfort in knowing His presence.
Second, this passage serves as a reminder of God’s promises to renew all creation. Joel promised that not only would the people be restored, but design—the land and the animals—would also be restored. God’s restoration plan focuses on the spiritual realm and the physical realm (see Romans 8:18–21). All things—spiritual and physical—belong to the God who created them. Joel calls us to embrace all aspects of God’s restoration and renewal. As a result, God’s people of all eras can celebrate His presence in their midst.
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, we trust that You will restore our world, despite our sinful actions and inactions. Renew us so that we might better follow and praise You. Show us how to live as Your people, free from shame. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God’s people need not be ashamed—He brings renewal!
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Hamilton, Mark W. et al. “God Promises His Presence.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2022–2023. Ed. Jane Ann Kenney, Ronald L. Nickelson, and Taylor Z. Stamps. Vol. 70. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2022–2023. 191–192. Print. The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary.
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