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The Bible Study – Our readings for Monday, Jan. 22 are Joel 1:1-20; 2:1-17 & Romans 11:1-24. Today we begin the Book of Joel. The prophet lived at the time of Hosea and Amos in the 9th century B.C. Joel forewarns of a devastating locust plague and drought. The prophecy can be seen both as real-life punishment and allegorical harbingers of the Babylonians and other invaders sent to chastise Judah for falling away from God. The plagues and drought also point forward to the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” in Chapter 2:31 – the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost and the ultimate Day of Judgment. The prophet calls upon the nation, and by extension, all people to repent. Joel is quoted by the Apostle Peter during his address to the people in Acts 2:1-16, and so provides much of the text for this early Christian sermon. In Romans 10:13, Paul will also quote Joel’s verse: “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:32) The Apostle explains in Romans 11 that there is a remnant of Israel that has been saved by grace, through faith in Christ. Paul repeats a key message present throughout his writings, and which is one of the foundations of the Lutheran Reformation: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Rom. 11:6) Paul cautions gentile believers against pride, and points out their role in evangelistic outreach to Jewish unbelievers. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) our Lord sends His Church out to make disciples of all nations. Let us pray for the will and courage to do Christ’s bidding. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/sermons/bible-verses-showing-justification-by-faith-alone