Joel 1:11-12 Be you ashamed, O you farmers; howl, O you vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley… I. We have a reminder of man's mortality. "We all do fade as a leaf." On festive occasions the ancients had a curious custom to remind them of their mortality. Just before the feast a skeleton was carried about in the presence of the assembled guests. The value of human life does not depend upon its length so much as upon its fulness. II. WE HAVE A REMINDER OF THE PERISHING NATURE OF ALL EARTHLY THINGS. The picture of withered nature in our text is of blight in summer — death just when life is most expected. It is used by Joel as an illustration of the material decay of Israel, living in sin, and exposed to the inroads of enemies without the favour and protection of God. Material blessings are provided for us by the Giver of all good, but we must remember that transitory and uncertain are the things that appear most stable. Men forget this, and reap bitter disappointments in life. III. WE HAVE A REMINDER OF THE RESURRECTION. The leaves are falling, but the trees are not dying. In the very decay of autumn we have the promise and hope of spring. And this is the hope of the Christian in view of decay and death. At every stage of life we suffer loss and decay, but every stage brings also fresh gain and new experience. And when we come to the last stage it will be so in richer measure. Our flesh shall rest in hope. (James Menzies.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished. |
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