1. A national crisis (1-12)

The word of the LORD came to Joel during an intense, national disaster unlike anything they had ever seen before. Millions upon millions of hungry locusts invaded the land of Judah like an unstoppable army. They chewed and gnawed through every bit of vegetation until nothing was left. The vines and the fig trees (symbols of Israel's prosperity in the past) were destroyed. Crops, orchards, and pastures were all devoured and all the rich blessings of the Promised Land disappeared one after another. Even worse, the priests had nothing to offer for the grain and drink offerings. Their fellowship with God was cut off and their joy was gone.

2. A call to lament (13-20)

What should God's people do in such a time of disaster? Turn back to God! God called his people to mourn over the devastation brought on by their sin and rebellion. The lament would start with the priests and then spread throughout the elders and all the people. We feel their agony today. Our own nation has been ravaged again and again by the effects of sin. It is a time for us to turn to God and lament along with the people of Judah. Joel says, "To you, LORD, I call..." This is the response that God desires. Even the wild animals panted for God. Shouldn't we as well?