Joel 3:16 - Homilies By J.r. Thomson

The Lord his people's Hope and Strength.

The prospect of the day of the Lord is to the sinful fraught with dread and with dismay. To them the judgment brings the delayed condemnation, and therefore the very thought of it is associated with alarm. But the language of this verse reminds us how differently the Divine appearance and interposition are regarded by the true people of God.

I. THE RIGHTEOUS LORD IS THE HARBOUR AND THE HOPE OF HIS PEOPLE .

1 . They have need of a Divine and secure refuge and confidence.

2 . They have received God's revelation of himself, and are accordingly able to trust and rest in him.

3 . And thus the expectation which brings to others consternation, brings to them a tranquil confidence.

II. THE RIGHTEOUS LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF HIS PEOPLE .

1 . This assurance supports them when conscious of their own feebleness.

2 . And when convinced by experience of the comparative strength of their enemies.

3 . To them the power of God is a welcome thought; for the irresistible might, which others fear because it ensures their defeat and destruction, will be exercised by a faithful God for the protection and preservation of all who trust in him.—T.