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"Consecrate a fast"

Text: Joel 2:15

A SECOND CALL TO CONSECRATE A FAST

The first Call to fast had been made (Joel 1:14). It had apparently fallen on deaf ears. A second Call was made by the prophet Joel.

“Blow the trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast,
Call a sacred assembly;
Gather the people,
Sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and nursing babes;
Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber,
And the bride from her dressing room.”
Joel 2:15-16

1. “Blow the trumpet in Zion”

a) This expresses great seriousness.

b) Zion was another name for Jerusalem (the capital of the nation of Judah).

2. “Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly”

a) A fast was an expression of earnest seeking of the LORD.

b) A sacred assembly describes a special assembly of as many people as possible!

3. The groups of people highlighted:

a) All the people.

b) The congregation must be sanctified.

i) They must do their part to appear before God sanctified.

ii) They must make proper preparation.

c) The elders must be assembled.

i) They must lead by example.

ii) Their presence would not be insignificant.

d) Everyone should be present:

i) Children

ii) Nursing babes (accompanied by their mothers)

e) The newly-weds:

i) The bridegroom

ii) The bride

iii) They are normally exempted because they are newly wedded.

iv) But this was a national emergency and thus, everyone must be present.