BLOW THE TRUMPET
Suggested Reading: Joel 2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Many messages have been preached from this podium at Christ Church which is located inside the Old City of Jerusalem. In our readings of the writings of the prophets, God has sought to communicate messages of mercy, forgiveness and also inevitable judgment for sin. The message of the church to Jerusalem and to the entire world is represented by the cross carved into the olive wood. Jesus has taken upon Himself the judgment of God for sin, and through Him we receive mercy and forgiveness.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Joel 2:13, 17, 28-29
“So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.
…Let the priests, who minister to the Lord,
Weep between the porch and the altar;
Let them say, ‘Spare Your people, O Lord,
And do not give Your heritage to reproach,
That the nations should rule over them.
Why should they say among the peoples,
“Where is their God?”‘
…And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
There is so much in today’s reading from which we can learn. Because of the importance of Joel 2, we have quoted more verses in this blog than in any other to date.
(1) Twice Joel writes in this chapter, “Blow the trumpet in Zion!” The central mountain in Jerusalem is Mt. Zion. The trumpet symbolizes the preaching of the Message. May we proclaim God message faithfully!
(2) Tearing garments still symbolizes extreme grief for many Jewish people. May our hearts be broken in “fasting,” “weeping,” and “mourning” over our sins and the sins of our world!
(3) Priests, whose job it is to represent the human family to God, are to weep over the sins of the people and over the mess we have made of the beautiful garden God intended this earth to be. The New Testament teaches that all believers in Jesus should consider themselves to be priests. John referred to all the people in the seven churches as “Priests.” Therefore, we should weep over sin and separation from God.
(4) God has poured out His “Spirit on all flesh.” All will not receive this outpouring of God. Nevertheless, it’s our responsibility as “sons,” “daughters,” “old men,” “young men” (women inferred), “Menservants” (all males), “Maidservants” (all females), to “Prophesy!” What is New Testament “prophecy?” “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b). Sharing Jesus with the whole world is the primary responsibility of all believers who have opened their lives to receive the outpouring of God’s Spirit! Every time we share Jesus, know that the Holy Spirit is “on all flesh.” The Holy Spirit is doing His work! Are we doing our most important work of inviting people to give their lives to Jesus?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I don’t know how to put fasting, weeping and mourning into the words of this brief prayer, but I’m committed to practicing those evidences of a heart that is torn up by the desperate human need I see on every hand. I pray for grace to keep on 24/7 being filled with Your Holy Spirit! I pray for the fulfillment of the dreams and visions You are giving me as prophesied by Joel and quoted by Peter on the birthday of Christ’s church here on earth! In the Name of the One who sounded “the trumpet in Zion” more loudly and more urgently that any other, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As a Pastor of local congregations in my early years, I would often take literally the call of Joel to weep “between the porch and the altar.” I would walk the aisles, between the pews, and at the church altar, praying early in the mornings for my members, their families, and for our community. I also did this on the road as an itinerate Evangelist, and I did this daily in the TV studios where later in the day we would “Blow the trumpet” of God’s message to our continent and beyond. I do this now here in my home before writing this blog. What an amazing opportunity! What a glorious and awful responsibility! My heart is full to overflowing with thankfulness to God and to those who have made it possible for me to minister God’s Word for so many years. I weep as I think of you who will read this, without whom none of this would have been possible.
Yours for the success of God’s cause!
David
P.S. Joel 2:31 mentions a “blood moon.” Pastor/Evangelist John Hagee has written a book about Bible prophecy called Four Blood Moons. It can be purchased from our Crossroads e-store (click here for information). He tells us of a “Blood moon” coming this month on April 15th. He expects something significant to happen regarding Israel beginning at that time. We should watch for Israel in the news! (click here for a recent interview with John Hagee on 100 Huntley Street, talking about these “Four Blood Moons.”)
The timing of today’s reading could not be better. As I finished Joel 2 I felt in total awe and returning to the blog, was amazed to see how much of today’s scripture was included in our key verses! I thank the Holy Spirit for actively working in our lives and this blog so we may be trumpets of our faith in Christ Jesus! May it not be questioned, “Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'” Shall definately be observing the moon April 15th and praying for Israel! Blessings and His strength, to all!
Yes David, I agree. We are in the last days.
I went on YouTube and found the song “Blow the Trumpet in Zion”. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw29XOd2TEA
Have a great day blog-buddies!!!
Thanks for that link Ruby. Wonderful song.
Am awed today by your inspiring heartfelt message on Joel 2. I have heard Pastor John Hagee speak on his telecast about the “Four Blood Moons” amd will be praying and observing Israel closely come April 15th. Am thinking about the song, “I Give you Jesus, my Friend,” I Give You Jesus.” Thank you, David Mainse for this blog without which none of this sharing would be possible. Can someone put John Hall’s song, “Blow the trumpet in Zion” on here. THanks and God bless.
Thank you Rev. Mainse for your dedication. Without your driven desire to bring God’s word to me and all these dear bloggers, I know I wouldn’t be so blessed.
This daily study gives me the strength, courage and knowledge to share the awesome message of salvation with others. I’m a rather low-key Christian, but feel God’s love surrounds me every day. May your desire to win souls for our heavenly Father never wain.
May God bless us all.
Ooops, wane.
Amen!
Oh, Ruby, I see you have put that song on here. Thanks!
Thanks, Pat for your comments yesterday.
God bless you dear sister. Let us know what God is doing —— in your surroundings. He is more interested than we are in our well being. He wants us to ask him for our wants and needs. Some times it is hard for us to know the difference between wants and needs. Ask him that too, he’ll tell us. Be encouraged in Jesus our Lord. AMEN AMEN Love you dear child of God.
Amen
Llianne Hogg
“Blow the trumpet in Zion”
From grade 7 through grade 12 I played trumpet in the school bands. When on vacation in Salem, Oregon with my family – and on Sunday morning, for some reason I wanted to play “O Canada”… so I went up stairs and opened the window and played “O Canada” to the USA neighbours…
When just learning to play, obviously I was zealous… Why else would I as a young child hall my trumpet along on a holiday with my brother and parents…
Lord Jesus, may your Holy Spirit within stir me to be as zealous for you now as I once was for playing the trumpet in my youth… Amen!
From the west coast in BC – Blessings to all you faithful bloggers today!
Praise God !! Do you still play the trumpet ? If so get it out and start practising . OUR LORD IS COMMING I feel it !
Amen, David!
God Bless you all, dear children of, the (All Mighty God) of the universe. How is that for a title for us? I have a Title at the top of my prayer journal, for us, it reads (Highly – Blessed – Greatly – favored – Imperfect – But forgiven – Child Of God )
Just a little hummer for the morning .It is true though we are those things!! Jesus made it so !!
I have bean very, intrigued with the past blogging, and have been digging in. I found a site relating to this vary topic this morning. Please give me some of your insight on this .
well there ” I dad to go back and find the site” some one else would be able to find it faster I would think!! Anyway here it is.
http://ronaldcsmith.blogspot.ca/2008/09/blood-moons-rising.html
WOOOH exhausting . Please give me some input . I have to go now and get some breakfast for my precious Grand-son and his Grand Father. Grand-pa, just came down the stairs. Grand-pa and Grand-son had a big day in the wood pile yesterday. Grand-son was up at 6:00 with me and the birds.
I saw the telecast with Pastor John Hagee and will look on April 15th. And be praying for Israel as we sail the Caribbean on vacation.
Could you pray for my son Neil, who has a mental illness. He has been very hurt by someone he knew and is angry, he trusts The Lord and has been crying out to Him, but does not feel any relief yet. I also have been crying out but also know Our Lord’s timing is always perfect and we have sometimes to learn something before He answers. It is hard to see your child hurting so much. The other person is not accessible to confront and make things right. We appreciate your prayers my fellow saints in Jesus. Thank you. It is so comforting to know other brothers and sisters in The Lord care.
Lord God, our Jehovah Jireh, Heavenly King and Precious Saviour, we cry out to You, and ask for comfort and solace through the gentleness of the Holy Spirit, to breathe upon Neil. Let him be sheltered by angels’ wings and lifted up in Your presence, dear God. We pray for this blessing on his life, in Jesus’ Holy name–amen, amen, and amen!
Bless you Beverlee my sister-in Christ for uplifting our son Neil before The Lord. It comforts me a great deal to know others care and I know God will answer in His perfect timing.
Dear Rev. David M.
Thank you once more today for bringing clarity to the scripture. As I was watching Ron and Moira on 100 Huntley street, I was so proud to know that your telecast of Crossroads is the worlds 6th longest running program on tv. Long Live crossroads ministry all for His Glory . Amen.I am looking forward to buying and sharing with others your April offer of the book : The greatest words ever spoken:
PS: so grateful to all my fellow bloggers joining me in prayer and petition to bring Jesus back in our cities , in our country, in the whole world .
Have a blessed day everyone .
xxxx Carole.
Thank you, David, and fellow saints, for another amazing day on our blog! The power of God in our lives is so true. We praise You, Jesus!