It Was the Cry of the Priests, Not the People

In Joel 2:17, the instruction was clear:

“Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar…”

And in Joel 2:18, it was only after the weeping of the priests that the Bible says:

“Then the Lord was jealous for His land and had pity on His people.”

The shift didn’t come because the people got it right.

The judgment didn’t lift because the nation turned first.

The mercy came because the leaders wept.

Because the priests and ministers stood between the altar and the porch and let their cries touch heaven.

Just like Abraham interceded for Lot.

Just like Moses pleaded for Israel.

Just like Jesus groaned in Gethsemane, saying,

“Not My will, but Yours be done.”

He bore the agony for others.

We’ve been waiting on the people to repent,

But God has been waiting on the priests to weep.

We want revival, but won’t fast unless it benefits us.

We want breakthrough, but won’t bend unless it’s for our own deliverance.

We’re preaching sacrifice we don’t live.

We’re teaching intercession we don’t practice.

But in this hour, God is raising up priests who will sow in tears,

Who will cry out, not for their own house, but for His.

Who will get between judgment and mercy,

Who will bleed in prayer so a generation can live in freedom.

This next outpouring will not be birthed through strategy,

But through the sound of travailing priests.

Those who suffer in the secret place on behalf of the land.

Those who trade comfort for covenant.

It doesn’t start with the people.

It starts with the priests.

It starts with you.

It starts with me.

Will we weep between the porch and the altar again?

Because when we do…

Then the Lord will have pity on the people.

Then the vats will overflow with new wine.

Then the land will be restored.