The prophecy of Joel describes a famine and devastation sent by God to wake the people up and bring them to repentance.  It affected every aspect of life, from the livestock to the crops that made the offerings and worship practices possible.  While Joel’s prophecy speaks to the people in his day, it also speaks to us in the present, who are living in a very evil time.  It also speaks of the future, when divine retribution will be meted out on “the day of the LORD.”  Although the circumstances described are very bleak, the message of grace is clear: there’s still time to turn back to God. Joel. VF-2541.