JOEL 2:18-25
The Mormon crickets (botanical name: Anabrus simplex) are large insects that can grow to almost 3 inches in length. They are mostly found in western North America. Mormon crickets were so named after the chewing insects destroyed the crops of Utah’s Mormon pioneers in 1848.
In 2003 their infestation caused up to $25 million in damages from lost crops in Utah. The crickets came in such numbers that people could not so much as take a step without finding one underfoot.
The prophet Joel described a large group of similar insects ravaging the entire nation of Judah as a result of their disobedience. He foretold an invasion of locusts like nothing previous generations had seen (Joel 1:2-4). The locusts, like the mormon crickets, would lay waste to everything in their path, driving the people into famine and poverty. If, however, the people would turn from their sinful ways and ask God for forgiveness, Joel said the Lord would restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Like the locust in Joel’s prophecy or the mormon crickets that invades Utah, our
wrongdoings eat away at the fruitful, fragrant life God intends for us. But if we turn toward Him, and away from our wrong ways, He promises to take away our shame and restore us to an abundant life in Him.
