Joel's big topic is the Day of the Lord, which he connects with the recent judgment of locust, the impending judgment of Babylon and the final deliverance of God's people. As we travel through time with him our understanding of God's character is transformed and we learn, as John does in Revelation to say "Even so, come Lord Jesus."

Because we have already been adopted to go back to the Old Testament way of relating to God is just like going back to idolatry. Although the law was God-given, it was given temporarily to a people awaiting God to work in the Messiah. Now that Jesus has come, we are no longer waiting but can enjoy our relationship with God in Jesus.

Since we as Christians are united to Christ we are the sons of God. Our status is complete and full in Christ, and we need not add to it in any way. This also means that there is no justification for division within the Church, because we are all sons.

Abraham encounters the final exam in his life-long education in faith. Called to do the unimaginable and sacrifice his son, Abraham demonstrates that his trust in God goes to the very core of his being. However, there is good reason for Abraham's faith, just as there is in our own dark nights and trials.

God's Power makes his character visible. For that to happen, God often blesses us in ways that are greater than our reason, our mistakes, and (obviously) our power. Like Abraham, we can respond to this reality through obedience.

As Abram faces the temptation of worldly wealth, he finds himself prepared because of the mysterious arrival of Melchizedek. Like Abram, God is our portion and provider so we need not be tempted by all that glitters in this world.

The blessed life for Christians looks different than the world would expect. Because we trust in God's promises we can go about our life as peacemakers and with meekness. Like Abraham, instead of choosing for ourself we can trust God's portion.

The life of faith trust that God will provide. We are always tempted to provide for ourselves, and when we do so we cut corners, take shortcuts, and hurt those close to us. A better way is to keep God in our moral calculus and know that we can obey his word, because he will keep his promises.

When the faithful God speaks his promises, the people of God place their faith in him and live faithfully in light of his words. Like Abraham we have a choice to live life based on what we see, or live life based on what God has said. Abraham discovered that God keeps his promises, and so will we.

Hosea's final chapters reach the highest point in all his major themes: the highest indictment against Israel, the highest vision of punishment, and the highest portrayal of hope. We also get one final window into the loving character of God who calls us, like Israel, wherever we are, to return to him.