Maybe no one thought of it, but did you realize that this disaster (of Joel 1:4–8) also affects God’s sanctuary? The sacrificial service comes to a halt. In Joel’s days thus far it had (thankfully) continued. There was serious sin, and God comes with covenant punishment for a reason, but the temple service still went on. Now that God feels compelled to come with judgments, it comes to a standstill. Do the people realize that their sins are also harming the actual service to God in his sanctuary? The priests mourn. We need to remember that they are servants of the only God who truly is who he says he is. When the priests mourn, what does that tell you if you are the chosen people of God? In hard times you automatically look at your own misery. But you have yourself to blame for this through your deviation from living with God and in accordance with his will. The worst part of the judgment that strikes Israel is that the service to God is suffering. Reflect on this and let it concern you deeply.
9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the LORD. The priests mourn, the ministers of the LORD.