For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
In Joel 1 a hard year woke everyone up. Now God's messenger tells them the very best way to come home — and gives a promise so big it still amazes us today.
Today's Story
Joel had news for the people. A big day was coming — a day when God would set everything right. Joel wanted everyone to be ready and on God's side.
So how do you get ready? Joel said the answer was not about putting on fancy clothes or saying fancy words. God said, “Come back to me with all your heart.”
Then Joel told them why they could come. “Return to the Lord your God,” he said, “because he is kind and full of love. He is patient. He is not quick to get angry. He loves to forgive.” What a thing to know! God was not waiting to scold them. He was waiting with open arms.
And when the people turned back, God made a promise that was even bigger than they expected. He said the fields would grow again. The rain would come. The empty barns would fill up with grain. “You will have plenty to eat,” God said. The locust year would be made up for.
Then came the biggest promise of all. God said, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Not just on kings. Not just on grown-ups. On everyone — old people and young people, boys and girls. God would come close and share His own life with people of every age, like rain poured out on a thirsty land.
It was the best news the people had ever heard.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When you have done something wrong and you come to tell a grown-up, how do you hope they will look at you? God looks at us with kind, loving eyes when we come back to Him.
- Joel says God is “slow to get angry” and “full of love.” Which of those words is the best surprise to you, and why?
- God promised to pour out His Spirit on everyone — even kids! How does it feel to know God wants to be close to you, not just to grown-ups?