It would be a strange newscast. From the immediate shock to the morning newspapers, I don’t know what would confuse the populace more. “Rivals turn and help each other.” “Competitors try to make each other number one!” “Winners a joke! Everyone trying to push the other to the top.” “Does anyone want to win?”
What would happen if we all worked for each other’s good. Need a competitive win to boost your career? Imagine every competitor and rival coach trying to help. Let your dream run wild and see the images start with your dream and end with the realization that you are holding the prize and reveling in the applause. Are you are battling work loads beyond description? Everyone around you pitches in to help and then works seamlessly as one to establish a structure that will prevent any possible reoccurrence. Are you short with you retirement planning? Don’t worry; the community is here; everyone working for each other as if we are one family.
The vision Joel was given to write wasn’t any less startling. Joel could only try to capture the facts. In the middle of pain and stress beyond description his words shock and bounce in the dust as a droplet falling on hard, dusty, parched ground.
“God's Message to Joel son of Pethuel: Attention, elder statesmen! Listen closely, everyone, whoever and wherever you are! Have you ever heard of anything like this? Has anything like this ever happened before—ever?” (Joel 1.1, 2)
Is the message strange? In this world, with everything going on around us, absolutely and completely “yes”! Is it natural to hear, understand, and believe? The words are as strange today as they were then. Yet in Divinity’s words you will find life changing color, texture, and shape. Ignore them at your own risk! There is a way that is different from what life tells us. Compassion is stronger than justice ever will be. Mercy is more compelling than bigotry and racism. Acceptance is more fulfilling that arrogance and greed. God’s message for a dying world brings life.
