1. The day of the LORD (1-11)

The devastation of the locust foreshadowed the day of the LORD. The day of the LORD is the day of God's judgment. It is the day when God exercises his righteous wrath against the sin of the world. No one can stand on that day. The Lord's armies are overwhelming and thorough and the only thing people will be able to do is tremble. There is no defense or escape as the Lord thunders at the head of his army. What philosophy or worldly possession will save a person? None! The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?

2. Rend your heart (12-17)

Our God is a righteous God who judges the sin of the world. At the same time, he is a loving God who seeks the lost and calls them to salvation. The Lord tenderly calls his people to return to him with fasting and weeping and mourning. God welcomes us back into his loving arms when we rend our hearts with sincere repentance. He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. He is eager to restore the joy of his presence with us. How can this be? How can his wrath be turned to love? Our Lord Jesus Christ bore God's wrath for our sins on the cross. Salvation is available to all who return to God.