Destruction can come in small packages!

I read the short book of Joel this morning. The little creature shown above is a big part of the central theme of the book. This little, seemingly harmless creature can create death and destruction for a lot of people. I read an article from NPR about a recent (2020) plague of these powerful little bugs. It seems they have extreme periods of little growth and then all of a sudden their population can swarm to billions. Rick Overson of Arizona State says they typically live pretty solitary lives. He then continues to explain an unusual transformation when their population explodes:

"They change their physiology. Their brain changes, their coloration changes, their body size changes," Overson says. "Instead of repelling one another, they become attracted to one another -- and if those conditions persist in the environment, they start to march together in coordinated formations across the landscape." [1]

In the Bible, Locusts make their appearance all the way through the book of Revelation. In Joel:

"A vast army of locusts has invaded my land, a terrible army too numerous to count. Its teeth are like lions teeth, its fangs like those of a lioness. It has destroyed my grapevines and ruined my fig trees, stripping their bark and destroying it, leaving the branches white and bare" (Joel 1:6-7)

Joel uses this symbol of destruction to compare the sin in our lives. Sin has such a devastating effect on families, friends, and communities. The sin of rejecting God is the worst of all. Ultimately, sin leads us to death and eternal separation from God. Joel was trying to send this message to Judah and they would not listen. Just like the people in our society today are not listening. 

Time is running short. Joel mentions the day of the Lord being near. We are quickly approaching that wonderful day for some and horrible destruction for others. ARE YOU READY?

"That is why the Lord says, 'Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish." (Joel 2:12-13)

God is here to help and not destroy. He has been patient through thousands of years, but his patience is not forever. Yet, right here, right now, there is still hope because of this single message from Joel:

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Joel 2:32)

In some ways I am so excited for the end times. Yet, when I think of the lost, family, friends, and community members who will not join me in paradise, I beg for a little more time. Please Lord help me reach the lost. Give me the words to share your love, grace, and mercy. Please, Lord, help me connect with those who ignore the signs of the end. Please, Lord, give me strength, courage, and boldness to share your love. Amen!

1 - Baskar, Pranav. “Locusts Are a Plague of Biblical Scope in 2020. Why? And ... What Are They Exactly?” NPR, June 14, 2020. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/06/14/876002404/locusts-are-a-plague-of-biblical-scope-in-2020-why-and-what-are-they-exactly.