Reading aloud, looking at it as literature, most important line?

The book of Joel is a very interesting book of the Bible. Reading it just left me lost and confused. Reading it twice helped me to grasp it a little further, but the most beneficial way of reading it was for me to read it aloud. Reading to an object, like the lake or a tree, helped me to actually understand the intensity of the book. The prophet Joel is trying to direct the reader and warn them. Reading it like he would speak helps me to understand the purpose behind the book. 

The Bible is the word of God and to read it is very intense and should be kept in mind, but to look at the Bible as literature gives it a whole knew meaning. It is so easy to focus in on a certain scripture and lose the point of the whole book, as one classmate pointed out. The scripture contains metaphors, poems, and much more. The true intellect and knowledge of the writers is very evident when I look at the Bible as a piece of literature.

Throughout the book of Joel are a lot of warnings and prophetic words from Joel but my favorite part is found in chapter 2 verses 12-13. It says, “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” I love these two verses because they show God’s mercy. No matter what we have done he desires for us to return to Him and it is never too late.