Horizon Church July Bible Reading Plan: Minor Prophets, Major Truths - Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah & NahumSample

Introduction to Joel

The book of Joel is a powerful prophetic call to wake up, repent, and return to God. Set against the backdrop of a devastating locust plague, Joel uses this natural disaster as a picture of a greater spiritual reality—the Day of the Lord, a time when God will bring judgment but also restoration. Joel urges the people to respond not with outward rituals but with sincere, heartfelt repentance: “Return to Me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12, NLT).

The message of Joel moves from crisis to hope. God not only promises to restore what was lost but also foretells a time when He will pour out His Spirit on all people—a prophecy fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost. Joel’s words echo across generations, reminding us that even in times of devastation, God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.

Whether you're in a season of hardship, reflection, or spiritual renewal, Joel’s message offers timeless truth: God is near, and He responds to those who call on His Name.

We encourage you to invite a friend or your Life Group and journey through this plan together! It’s always encouraging to explore Scripture together and share what God is teaching you. Plus, having others by your side can bring fresh perspectives and deeper insights!

To gain a deeper understanding of the book, watch this overview from the Bible Project: