Joel 2:12-19

Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
“Where is their God?” ’
Then the Lord became jealous for his land,
and had pity on his people. (Joel 2:17-18)

Christians understand that in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus we have encountered the fulfillment of God's intention.

We are spared not because we weep and grovel and neither to preempt the mockery of unbelievers.

We are redeemed through the love of God symbolized in the self-sacrifice of Jesus.