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Who knows if He will turn and relent?

Text: Joel 2
1 February 2009

(I) GREAT CRISES IN LIFE

1. They can come

2. They will come

3. Types of Crises mentioned (2 Chronicles 6:28)

a) Famine

b) Pestilence

c) Blight/Mildew

d) Locusts/Grasshoppers

(II) RESPONDING TO THE GREAT CRISES OF LIFE

1. With knowledge of God’s word and will

2. In deep faith

3. In humble prayer

(III) THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER

1. Well taught in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)

a) A haughty spirit disdained (Pharisee)

b) A humble spirit honoured (Publican)

2. Well exemplified in the Scriptures

a) The spirit of Caleb ( Joshua 14:6-12 )

“…It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” Joshua 14:12

i) Nothing is taken for granted

ii) Not even past experiences

iii) Not even strong faith

b) The spirit of King Hezekiah ( 2 Kings 19:4 )

“It may be that the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh…and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” 2 Kings 19:4

i) Prayer is enjoined

ii) Praying to be done in hope

c) The repentance of the Ninevites ( Jonah 3 )

“Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: do not let them eat or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?” Jonah 3:7-9

i) Admonition to turn away from evil ways

ii) Seeking God in contrition

(IV) THE CONCEPT OF “GOD RELENTING”

“…speak… do not diminish a word.Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 26:2-3

1. It is taught by the Lord Himself

a) God first declares a legal position (of judgment)

b) He then sends His servants (the prophets) to give words of warning

2. Basis of God relenting

a) Listening to God’s word

b) Turning away from evil ways

c) Seeking God in prayer ( Joel 2:14 )