Joel 2:12-17

God tells the people to turn back to him

12 The Lord says, ‘Even now it is not too late!

Show that you are sorry and return to me.

Fast, weep and cry to show that you are sad.

13 Show me that you are really upset.

Do not only tear your clothes. That is not enough.’

Return to the Lord your God.

He is kind and he forgives people.

He does not quickly become angry,

and his faithful love is very great.

He does not like to punish you.

14 No one knows what the Lord your God will do.

Perhaps he will change his mind.

Perhaps he will not punish you as he has said he will.

After that he may bless you.

He may give you grain and wine,

so that you can offer them to him.

15 Make a loud noise with a trumpet in Zion!

Tell the people that they must fast.

Tell them to meet to worship the Lord.

16 Bring all the people together.

Prepare them to worship the Lord.

Bring the old people together,

as well as the children and the babies.

Even men who have just married must come from their rooms.

And brides must also come from their rooms.

17 The priests should weep,

as they serve the Lord

between the temple door and the altar.

They must pray, ‘Lord, Please be kind to your people.

Do not allow the people of foreign nations

to laugh at your own people.

Do not allow them to insult us.

They should not say about us,

“Their God cannot help them.” ’