The passage we studied this week in Joel exposed the essence of what it’s like to have a very human, flesh-filled, sinful nature. It’s uglier than we ever thought it could be, and hearing the verse below just broke my heart:
“They have cast lots for My people, have given a boy as payment for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.” (Joel 3:3, NKJV)
Immediately, my mind went to the industry of sex trafficking. I took this verse literally and went there, knowing that this is still a huge, dark, and Satanic industry that is happening all over the world. But I also thought about the subtle ways that this verse plays out that we wouldn’t expect…
The root here that I feel the Lord is conveying is that we trade things for instant gratification…when often times, that gratification stems from a placement of identity or “happiness” in something other than God.
Like the account of Jacob and Esau, something as simple as food caused Esau to sell his birthright. It was the instant gratification of a warm bowl of soup that cost him family ties, wealth, legacy and generational standing. If one bowl of soup could do that, imagine how the enemy tempts us with even greater things?
Our addictions are not always outright and noticeable — like drinking and drug use, but other addictions can also be subtle…like the constant pull to our phones, online shopping, social media, or gossip. Addictions come in all shapes and sizes…they are not limited to the ones that land us in prison or rehab. Addictions are living among us in the American church. I believe our addictions are deep rooted and often filled with bitterness. No wonder we are called to “rend our hearts” (Joel 2:13) when there is so much there to uncover and break apart.
In James 1:15 we are warned that “sin gives birth to death.” The sin that starts in our heart of wanting something we don’t have, leading to an overwhelming desire to have it, and eventually resulting in action of hurting ourselves or someone else…brings death.
Jesus knows and teaches us the way to live, and yet our flesh pulls us in the opposite direction.
The last point Pastor Jason made was all about the peace that comes from surrender. Once we decide that we no longer want to “fight God”…we can begin to let go and rest in His loving arms, giving up our fight to trade it in for His fight — a fight of justice and of truth…a fight that wins every time.
Although it can be difficult to study books like Joel, in the end, I really believe it’s good for us to see this side of God. The side that wants to execute justice on those who have purposefully turned from Him and chosen not to be in relationship. He gave them the chance, but they ran in the other direction. It’s sobering, but it’s also good to know that we can trust His judgement.
He doesn’t judge unfairly or without mercy…we saw in Pastor Jason’s message that He is actually so full of mercy that it’s unbelievable at times. If someone is still living and breathing, it is never too late for God.
On Sunday, we were left with this simple question: Have I surrendered all?
I sat with the Lord for a few moments on this one. On the outside, it looks like I have surrendered. But He knows the inner-workings of my heart. There is still more work to be done. I trust that He will take the steps needed to pry my grip off of the areas of my life that I believe I have “control” over. There really is such a peace that comes from realizing that He is, ultimately, in control, and agreeing with that fact as we live our lives.
Maybe this busy season of December is the perfect time to acknowledge that we were never in control…but He is. That very fact can bring us such peace in a season that is often overwhelming. He is good, He is just, and He is in control.
“They have cast lots for My people, have given a boy as payment for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.” (Joel 3:3, NKJV)
Immediately, my mind went to the industry of sex trafficking. I took this verse literally and went there, knowing that this is still a huge, dark, and Satanic industry that is happening all over the world. But I also thought about the subtle ways that this verse plays out that we wouldn’t expect…
The root here that I feel the Lord is conveying is that we trade things for instant gratification…when often times, that gratification stems from a placement of identity or “happiness” in something other than God.
Like the account of Jacob and Esau, something as simple as food caused Esau to sell his birthright. It was the instant gratification of a warm bowl of soup that cost him family ties, wealth, legacy and generational standing. If one bowl of soup could do that, imagine how the enemy tempts us with even greater things?
Our addictions are not always outright and noticeable — like drinking and drug use, but other addictions can also be subtle…like the constant pull to our phones, online shopping, social media, or gossip. Addictions come in all shapes and sizes…they are not limited to the ones that land us in prison or rehab. Addictions are living among us in the American church. I believe our addictions are deep rooted and often filled with bitterness. No wonder we are called to “rend our hearts” (Joel 2:13) when there is so much there to uncover and break apart.
In James 1:15 we are warned that “sin gives birth to death.” The sin that starts in our heart of wanting something we don’t have, leading to an overwhelming desire to have it, and eventually resulting in action of hurting ourselves or someone else…brings death.
Jesus knows and teaches us the way to live, and yet our flesh pulls us in the opposite direction.
The last point Pastor Jason made was all about the peace that comes from surrender. Once we decide that we no longer want to “fight God”…we can begin to let go and rest in His loving arms, giving up our fight to trade it in for His fight — a fight of justice and of truth…a fight that wins every time.
Although it can be difficult to study books like Joel, in the end, I really believe it’s good for us to see this side of God. The side that wants to execute justice on those who have purposefully turned from Him and chosen not to be in relationship. He gave them the chance, but they ran in the other direction. It’s sobering, but it’s also good to know that we can trust His judgement.
He doesn’t judge unfairly or without mercy…we saw in Pastor Jason’s message that He is actually so full of mercy that it’s unbelievable at times. If someone is still living and breathing, it is never too late for God.
On Sunday, we were left with this simple question: Have I surrendered all?
I sat with the Lord for a few moments on this one. On the outside, it looks like I have surrendered. But He knows the inner-workings of my heart. There is still more work to be done. I trust that He will take the steps needed to pry my grip off of the areas of my life that I believe I have “control” over. There really is such a peace that comes from realizing that He is, ultimately, in control, and agreeing with that fact as we live our lives.
Maybe this busy season of December is the perfect time to acknowledge that we were never in control…but He is. That very fact can bring us such peace in a season that is often overwhelming. He is good, He is just, and He is in control.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.