Joel 2:23-32 OT Notes for 10/27/13

We usually think of some of this section for pentecost. I am going to a conference on the Holy Spirit, so some of this passage is ringing that tune, but other material deserves a look as well. this is part of the Book of the 12/ Minor Prophets, of course, and the next few Sundays contain readings from that section of Scripture.

The locust plague, whether it is a natural catastrophe or a metaphor for invasion is over.God's fertility, or if you prefer, the verdure and vitality of the spirit takes over.this could be a good place to speak of the Spirit and nature in our ecological age.

So it starts with words of gladness and rejoicing. I don;t see my denomination as synonymous with these feelings. How do you best experience and demonstrate public joy?

I like the inclusive nature of the Spirit in this text.It is certianly a Pentecost text, but it alos has an Ester resurrection aspect to it as well, no?

I wonder about the dreams and visions section, if it signals a surprise or merely is intimating that dreams are part of the young and old. This could be a good place ot speak of the dreams and visions of the future.

One could play with the image of pouring out the spirit like a drink offering a la our other reading in 2 tim. 4 and include other images for the spirit of life.See vv23-4 poured down and overflow as well.

twice we read of being put to shame. That can be a deep communal or individual experience. notice that is seems connection with divine absence, but the presence of God seems to make it abate in light of a new future.