My people shall never be ashamed.
Religion, a source of constant confidence
Joel was the bearer of very heavy tidings. Their sins had exceeded the bounds of Divine patience.
I. The character under which the persons mentioned in the text appear before us. He calls them “My people.” This shows that they belong to God by some peculiar appropriation. He speaks of them as having His favour, as deriving blessings from Him, and as feeling, under a consciousness of His presence abiding with them, a confidence which the wicked never possess. They are a chosen people; a sanctified people; and an obedient people. They are always set upon obedience, and sorry when they do not render it.
II. The honourable and encouraging statement which God makes concerning them. “My people shall never be ashamed.”
1. They shall not be ashamed of their principles. Which serve them at all times. And they are good, profitable to society, and calculated to advance the interests of men!
2. They are not ashamed of the singularity which distinguishes their conduct.
3. Of the confidence which they repose in God. And they shall not be ashamed amid the terrors of the last great day. (W. Curling, M. A.)
Not ashamed
After the desolation caused by the locusts is to come a time of great fruitfulness. In the words, “My people shall never be ashamed,” we have a great principle of God’s government announced, and the promise is emphatically repeated.
I. The significance of the promise. It covers all history, and the whole individual life, and reaches on “within the veil.” The promise involves--
1. An implied assertion of surrounding troubles and conflict. Much which is calculated to put men to shame, and to cause doubt and sorrow; e.g., loathsome diseases, fearful crimes, error perverting and hindering truth, drunkenness, ignorance, immorality at our doors and in our streets. Where sin is, there must be shame.
2. An express encouragement to stedfast faith. God “undertakes for” His people.
3. A sure prediction of final triumph. The promise has progressive fulfilment. Shame and fear are again and again beaten back until the last victory comes, and shame and sin are left behind for ever.
II. The character of those to whom the promise is made. God’s people are put in antithesis with the heathen, the ungodly, the unbelieving. They are those who have turned to Him in true penitence, have experienced His pardoning love, and now trust in Him. They are “led by the Spirit.” Can we take the comfort of this promise? On one side of man’s destinies is certainty of shame; on the other, assurance of glory. Troubles shall issue in joy; trials shall conduct to triumph. (W. Saumarez Smith, B. D.)