1. The Lord's army (1-11)

The locust invasion was an act of God's judgment. The locust spare nothing. Before them, the land is like the Garden of Eden; behind them, a desert waste. They march through the land without breaking rank or swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other, but march straight ahead. They climb in houses like thieves--there is no stopping them. Who can endure? They are the Lord's army. He uses his sovereign authority over nature to bring people to repentance so that he can save them. God uses his sovereignty to accomplish his redemptive purpose.

2. Return to the Lord (12-17)

Repentance cannot be superficial. Tearing one's clothes is not enough; we must offer God our broken and contrite hearts. Repentance is not just regret for sins; it is returning to the Lord with all one's heart and humbly asking him for his mercy. Who knows? He may turn and have pity!

Application: Lord, I turn from the world to you this morning. Cleanse my heart. Turn the hearts of the people to you and have mercy on our land.
One Word: Rend your heart; return to the Lord