Ash Wednesday - March 5

March 5 - Joel 2:12-13
By: Barbara Reynolds

The book of Joel begins with the analogy of a massive swarm of locust marching on the land of Israel, devouring everything in its path. The people watch as the land is stripped of all vegetation by
huge insects resembling advancing war horses without riders.

There appears to be no hope. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart and with fasting, weeping, and mourning and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and relenting of evil.”

In our present age we are still assaulted by hoards of advancing locust that march on many lands and strip them of all promise of a better tomorrow. The message remains the same...”Return to Me. Repent. Rend your hearts and the love of God, which is far above human understanding will have compassion on His creation.”

Prayer
Today’s world seems to be under siege by advancing evil. Children never know peace, a full belly, a warm bed. Parents are unable to provide the bare minimum for survival as the devouring swarm of locust descend on them daily. Help us in our time of need. Help us to return to You praying that You will always have compassion on Your creation.