Daily Devotional

“Rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” (Joel 2:13). 

The desert locust—the locust mentioned in the Bible—is a grasshop- per-like insect with some unusual characteristics. Most of the time these three-inch pests forage harmlessly in their solitary phase and 

keep away from each other. But occasionally they change their nature and join together, seeking more locusts until they form a massive swarm. Science has only recently discovered that the neurochemical serotonin working in the locust’s nerves causes this change; in a matter of hours locusts can transform dramatically in colour, size, and behavior. 

Once the locusts enter their swarming phase, they can travel up to 125 miles per day, depending on the wind. A single swarm of locusts can contain tens of billions of the insects and can cover over 400 square miles, devouring all the vegetation in its path and causing major crop damage. 

The children of Israel experienced the scourge of a locust invasion in the prophet Joel’s day. This man of God carried a warning to the Israelites, who had wandered from God, before the locusts arrived. Although they were still going through the motions of worship, their hearts had turned away from the Creator. Despite their sin, however, God was graciously inviting them to repent. He was giving them another chance. 

Sadly, the people ignored the warnings. Just as sin had ravaged their lives and left them spiritually destitute, the locusts came and devastated their land. The prophet suffered along with his people. As they remembered his call to repentance, many abandoned their sins and returned to God. 

Is there any doubt that the locusts of sin are swarming in our world right now, seeking to devour every shred of decency and leave nothing but hopelessness in their path? But Jesus has not only suffered with us; He laid down His life to overcome the plague of sin and reunite us with the only Source of real hope and abundant life. Have you responded to His call? 

Dear Lord, I love You for entering this plague-stricken world to destroy the power of sin in my life.