1. Joel 2:13–14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Can we (still) escape God’s judgment?

Joel 2:13–14 (ESV)

13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Yes! God’s prophet shows us the way: turn back to God. It does not say: return to God with all your heart. That is what is needed, but he does not mention it as the way to salvation from God’s wrath. The focus is on the actual turnabout: to whom do you turn? Salvation is possible. Entering the way of safety is feasible. It is mentioned twice (see Joel 2:12, Joel 2:14).