Connect Joel 3:21 with other scriptures about God's judgment and forgiveness. Joel 3:21—The Snapshot • “For I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged. For the LORD dwells in Zion.” • God personally guarantees that every drop of innocent blood will be answered for. • His dwelling in Zion anchors this promise; His very presence demands justice. God’s Unwavering Commitment to Justice • Nahum 1:3 – “The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; He will not leave the guilty unpunished.” • Hebrews 10:30 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” • Romans 2:5 – “Your stubborn heart is storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath.” • Revelation 6:10 – “How long, O Lord… until You judge and avenge our blood?” Key Thought: Scripture consistently portrays God as patient, yet utterly unwilling to overlook sin. Joel 3:21 echoes this fixed resolve—bloodguilt will not be swept under the rug. Justice Opens the Door to Forgiveness • Exodus 34:6-7 – “The LORD, compassionate… yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” • Psalm 85:10 – “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” • Romans 3:25-26 – “God presented Christ as a propitiation… to demonstrate His righteousness… so He might be just and the justifier.” • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive…” Key Thought: Only a God who punishes sin can truly forgive it; otherwise forgiveness would be cheap sentiment. Joel’s promise of avenging blood is the backdrop that makes genuine pardon meaningful. The Cross—Where Judgment and Mercy Converge • Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions;… by His wounds we are healed.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…” • Romans 5:9 – “Having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Key Thought: At Calvary, God satisfied His own demand of Joel 3:21. All unavenged blood cries were answered—either in Christ for the repentant or still awaiting reckoning for the unrepentant. Walking in Light of Both Judgment and Forgiveness • Micah 6:8 – “What does the LORD require of you but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly?” • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” • Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Takeaway List: – Hold fast to God’s promise that every wrong will be set right. – Rest in the finished work of Christ, where judgment fell so mercy could flow. – Reflect God’s character by practicing both justice and forgiveness in daily relationships. |
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