“The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.” (Joel 3:16, ESV)
Joel 3 is a chapter of the Old Testament that speaks of good days to come. This chapter warns the nations who oppress Israel that God watches over that holy nation. This chapter also reasserts that God cares deeply for the people of Israel. God “roars” in might from Zion. God speaks from Jerusalem and will be heard. All nations should respect the might of The Holy One. Why, even “the heavens and earth quake” when God speaks (Joel 3:16a). And while the nations outside Israel should fear Almighty God, the people of Israel should see that “the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold” (Joel 3:16b), a haven of security.
Have you ever needed security? Have you ever felt unsafe or vulnerable?
Archaeologists studying ancient Israel found that there were certain places designated as “cities of refuge”. These cities often had fortified walls or buildings, stockpiles of food, and access to water. It is believed that these cities of refuge were never more than half a day journey for anyone in Israel. They provided comfort in uncertain times, protection in times of war, and the necessities when in an emergency. At crossroads and trails in Israel in ancient times, there were signposts with inscriptions and arrows upon them with words like, “To the city of refuge!” (See C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, February 4). In ancient times, it was especially important to have places of refuge, havens of security.
During the communist revolutions in China following World War Two, many Christians lived in danger. The communist government wanted to suppress religion and replace it with a political agenda. Christians in China were rounded up and placed in prisons and reeducation camps. Many Christians were executed or put into forced labor. Some of the most vulnerable Christians in China at that time were the orphans. Christians all over the world had generously supported orphanages for children who were abandoned or lost their parents in the war with Japan. However, these orphans and the missionaries and nuns and priests and pastors who ran them were in a life-threatening situation. They couldn’t abandon these precious children, and yet it was extremely difficult to find safety while harboring them. It is believed that more than a million missionaries and children and their supporters fled the country.
One of these missionaries who was harboring more than a dozen children left an orphanage in Western China to secure safety for her children. They traveled for many miles, seeking the haven of a Christian outpost in the mountains to the west. On the way, they had to battle hunger and thirst, flee from soldiers, and keep free from dysentery and other illnesses, all in their struggle to survive.
All the while they were on the run, the missionary and her orphans were in such fear and danger that they couldn’t sleep. They had a difficult time eating. They were so very tired and sore. Upon reaching their haven in the mountains, they finally felt safe. The missionary and children cried with such joy! They could eat well. They finally could sleep. It is said that when they arrived at the Christian outpost, the missionary and her children slept for two days straight! When they all finally gathered for their first big meal together, they gave thanks to God not only for the food but for heavenly protection during their arduous journey.
When your world is shaken up, when your future is unsure, when your options seem limited, you might feel lost or lonely. Fear might grab hold of your thoughts. Insecurities will flood your mind with “what-ifs”. Life may be a struggle. Issues may seem overwhelming. Decisions may loom large over your waking moments. Through it all, do not forget that your Lord is “a refuge to His people” (Joel 3:16). Your God provides watchful security. God is able to protect you in ways that others cannot. In His arms, you will find peace and security, even in the midst of worldly chaos!
The prophet Joel reminded the people of Israel that God is to be feared. God’s people are under special protection. Remind yourself that God’s overwatch continues day and night. You are one of God’s chosen. You have made your promises to God in Christ. You matter to the Almighty. Your life is precious. Your faith is crucial. Rest easy… the Lord who is able to make heaven and earth quake is your Protector! Seek His guidance. Listen to His voice. Follow His direction!
Have you ever needed security? Have you ever felt unsafe or vulnerable?
Archaeologists studying ancient Israel found that there were certain places designated as “cities of refuge”. These cities often had fortified walls or buildings, stockpiles of food, and access to water. It is believed that these cities of refuge were never more than half a day journey for anyone in Israel. They provided comfort in uncertain times, protection in times of war, and the necessities when in an emergency. At crossroads and trails in Israel in ancient times, there were signposts with inscriptions and arrows upon them with words like, “To the city of refuge!” (See C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, February 4). In ancient times, it was especially important to have places of refuge, havens of security.
During the communist revolutions in China following World War Two, many Christians lived in danger. The communist government wanted to suppress religion and replace it with a political agenda. Christians in China were rounded up and placed in prisons and reeducation camps. Many Christians were executed or put into forced labor. Some of the most vulnerable Christians in China at that time were the orphans. Christians all over the world had generously supported orphanages for children who were abandoned or lost their parents in the war with Japan. However, these orphans and the missionaries and nuns and priests and pastors who ran them were in a life-threatening situation. They couldn’t abandon these precious children, and yet it was extremely difficult to find safety while harboring them. It is believed that more than a million missionaries and children and their supporters fled the country.
One of these missionaries who was harboring more than a dozen children left an orphanage in Western China to secure safety for her children. They traveled for many miles, seeking the haven of a Christian outpost in the mountains to the west. On the way, they had to battle hunger and thirst, flee from soldiers, and keep free from dysentery and other illnesses, all in their struggle to survive.
All the while they were on the run, the missionary and her orphans were in such fear and danger that they couldn’t sleep. They had a difficult time eating. They were so very tired and sore. Upon reaching their haven in the mountains, they finally felt safe. The missionary and children cried with such joy! They could eat well. They finally could sleep. It is said that when they arrived at the Christian outpost, the missionary and her children slept for two days straight! When they all finally gathered for their first big meal together, they gave thanks to God not only for the food but for heavenly protection during their arduous journey.
When your world is shaken up, when your future is unsure, when your options seem limited, you might feel lost or lonely. Fear might grab hold of your thoughts. Insecurities will flood your mind with “what-ifs”. Life may be a struggle. Issues may seem overwhelming. Decisions may loom large over your waking moments. Through it all, do not forget that your Lord is “a refuge to His people” (Joel 3:16). Your God provides watchful security. God is able to protect you in ways that others cannot. In His arms, you will find peace and security, even in the midst of worldly chaos!
The prophet Joel reminded the people of Israel that God is to be feared. God’s people are under special protection. Remind yourself that God’s overwatch continues day and night. You are one of God’s chosen. You have made your promises to God in Christ. You matter to the Almighty. Your life is precious. Your faith is crucial. Rest easy… the Lord who is able to make heaven and earth quake is your Protector! Seek His guidance. Listen to His voice. Follow His direction!