Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, said the LORD, turn you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:… I. THE IMPORTANT DIRECTION GIVEN. The direction "Turn unto the Lord your God" presupposes — 1. A state of heedless inattention. The position from which they were to turn was one in which the back was upon God. 2. A state of careless and criminal negligence. 3. A state of obstinate disobedience. "Rend your heart." The action of rending garments indicates — 1. Excessive grief. 2. Great loathing and abhorrence. 3. Deep humility and earnest deprecation. II. THE CHEERING ASSURANCE AFFORDED. "For He is gracious and merciful," etc. 1. This revelation warrants our approach. The words are expressive of the most melting compassion and tenderness. 2. This revelation requires your return to "the Lord," your Proprietor, to whom you owe your all, and to whom you must account for all. 3. This revelation encourages your address. Ask, and receive now the effects of His grace and mercy. Pardon, healing, adoption, grace. All the present privileges of children. And finally, all their eternal enjoyments, (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: |
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