Forgiveness reaches the heart that returns.
Rend Your Hearts
Joel shows that the path to forgiveness runs through inner repentance, not just outward religious gestures
This short devotional is about forgiveness, from Joel 2:13.
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate
Joel 2:13
The scene
We are in Jerusalem, on Mount Zion, where the trumpet sounds calling the people to gather.
“Blow the ram’s horn in Zion”, announces the prophet Joel. The Day of the LORD is coming, and an enormous army, such as never was, leaves the land behind it like a devastated desert.
Amid the alarm, God calls the people back: “rend your hearts and not your garments“. He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and says He will spare His people (Joel 2:18).
For God, an outward gesture is enough, even without repentance inside.
Joel calls a fast, but fasting does not buy forgiveness: God wants the heart that returns. Trust His compassion.
In our day
We can keep up appearances for a long time: the right word, the calm face in front of others. Inside, though, something is far from God.
The Lord does not ask for performance. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, and because of Him we can return without masks, telling God what really happened. He is great in kindness and receives an open heart.
Relief. Joel remembers that God may leave a blessing behind Him.
We return to a God of kindness, and hope has somewhere to stand. Rejoice in Him and stay close.
Hope. Joel remembers that God may leave a blessing behind Him.
We return to a God of kindness, and hope has somewhere to stand. Rejoice in Him and stay close.
Peace. Joel remembers that God may leave a blessing behind Him.
We return to a God of kindness, and hope has somewhere to stand. Rejoice in Him and stay close.
Brokenness. Joel calls even the priests to weep between the porch and the altar.
Weeping before God is not weakness or shame. He is compassionate to those who come broken. Receive His comfort.
Shame. Joel calls even the priests to weep between the porch and the altar.
Weeping before God is not weakness or shame. He is compassionate to those who come broken. Receive His comfort.
Distance. Joel calls even the priests to weep between the porch and the altar.
Weeping before God is not weakness or shame. He is compassionate to those who come broken. Receive His comfort.
Today, if I notice I am only keeping up appearances, I will tell God in prayer what is really going on.
God receives a sincere heart with kindness.
Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him. — Luke 17:4
Cordeiro Devocional
Share it
Share the devotional
Sends the link with the cover, like an invitation to read.
Share the quote
An image with today's quote, for your status.
Read also
It is good to wait and stay calm
Lamentations reveals a prayer that still seeks hope amid ruin and judgment
Blessed are those who have not seen
Jesus honors a faith that stands on His truth without demanding full physical proof