Like an Army for Battle
Like a mighty army drawn up for battle.
Joel 2:5 (NIV)
Joel pictures locust invasion — the Lord's day figure — in war imagery: with chariot-like noise leaping mountaintops, like crackling fire consuming stubble, like mighty armies for battle. Discipline, thunder, irresistible advance. God's judgment is no mess: marching in formation, obeying orders, striking targets. Even destruction obeys divine strategy.
Leaders learn from enemy armies what God's army must be: organized, united, advancing. Scattered churches, squabbling over trifles, contrast locusts in formation. If judgment marches armies, how much more should grace march? Joel summons: blow trumpets in Zion! Alarms spark repentance; repentance draws mercy. Alarm-sounding leaders rescue cities.
Fall into formation today: aligning life with Scripture, marching with churches, advancing against sins. Like armies for battle: disciplined praying, united loving, irresistible missioning.
God's armies never rout. Hold positions today, advancing tomorrow. Trumpets sounded timely avert eternal disasters. Blow yours today courageously and clearly. Aligned lives advance; scattered ones retreat. March in formation daily. God's noise rescues; enemy noise ruins. Discern sounds carefully today. Advance with heaven's thunder behind you. Victory marches with the obedient always. Advance daily and conquer surely. March on, heaven watches.
And when noises frighten, remember: God's side thunders deliverance.