14 October 2023

On that day
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
the hills shall flow with milk,
and all the stream beds of Judah
shall flow with water;
a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord
and water the Wadi Shittim.
From Joel 4:12-21, NRSV

In yesterday’s reading we heard the prophet Joel giving warning of an impending great and terrible Day of Judgement. In today’s reading, the prophet again refers to the coming of this day. However, in this part of the reading, Joel gives some words of reassurance and hope as well as of doom and warning. The Lord will not only bring judgement but shelter for his people. Images of the mountains dripping with wine and hills flowing with milk speak of the coming of a time of peace and plenty when God’s relationship with his people will be restored.

• • Why do you think God gave this opportunity for renewal?
  • How does God call us to renewal in our faith ?

Reflect on the ways in which God calls you to renewal – and of the steps you might need to take.