Revelation
describes a time period known as “the day of the Lord”. The Old Testament is full of prophecies for
this time period. It is called “in that
day”, “in the latter days”, and “the day of the Lord”. Jesus used the terms “last day” and “day of
judgment”. Exactly what is “the day of
the Lord”? It is God’s judgment on the
world and the deliverance of His people.
It’s not a single day, but an event.
It’s fulfillments of prophecy that happens in phases. The final phase or judgment will be unlike anything
we have ever seen.
Joel 1 – 2:1-27 – Locust Plague, Call for
Repentance
Joel
describes “the day of the Lord” as a severe plague of locust that eat
everything. The fields are ruined; the
ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed; farmers are in despair; harvests
are destroyed; the vine is dried up; the trees are dried up; the grain
offerings have been cut off; priests are mourning. There is no joy on earth. Even the animals seem to know it’s a sad
time. Joel appeals to the drunkards, the
people, the priests and to the elders.
He calls for repentance of all the people.
This
destruction is brought about because of man’s sin and Joel calls for repentance. God has rules and we must obey. The Scriptures tell us throughout that we can
escape God’s wrath by repenting, believing and trusting in Jesus alone. We can be saved. He will always forgive our sin and remember
them no more, if we repent and return to Him.
God
shows He is full of compassion and grace.
By repenting the Lord will restore everything. He will take pity on His people and send them
grain and new wine enough to satisfy them.
The pastures and trees will be green again. He will repay them for the locust years. He will drive the armies far from them. The people will rejoice in the Lord and know
that He is the Lord their God. Then He
will pour out His Spirit on all who believe.
Joel 2:28-32 – Spirit Poured Out
God
promised to pour out His spirit on all people who respond to His call. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person
in the Trinity and has always been active in history. Acts 2
tells of the Holy Spirit pouring out on all believers at Pentecost. The
Holy Spirit is active in the world and has been throughout history. Gen.
1:2 tells us He is the Creator. John 3:3-8 tells us to see the kingdom
of God you must be born of water and the Spirit. John
16 tells us He is our Counselor. Acts 2:1-13 tells us the Holy Spirit
filled all the believers at Pentecost. 2 Peter 1:21 tells us Scripture was not
written by men’s interpretation, but by the Holy Spirit.
The
Holy Spirit was sent to convict the world of quilt. (John
16:7-11). He applies the truths of
God into our minds. Once we are saved
and belong to God, the Spirit resides in our hearts forever. Gal.
5:22-23 tells us He begins harvesting His fruit in our lives – the fruit of
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. He is at work in our lives
as He guides us to do the right things, help us make the right decisions,
prompts us as to what to say and do.
It is
important that Scripture remind us of the last days, because judgment is
coming and people need to repent before it’s too late. Jesus will return. That is a fact and we need to be ready. God promises if we call on the name of the
Lord we will be saved. (Joel 2:32) Then we don’t have to worry or fear the
future, because we are sealed forever with the seal of God. We are His and no one can take us from Him.
Joel 3 – Nations Judge, People Blessed
God
controls the destiny of nations and He will be the judge. On that terrible day it will be too late to
decide to follow God. The time for the
decision to follow Him, is NOW! There
will be no escape. God will restore
Judah and Jerusalem and He will judge the nations who were against them. (Joel
3:17, Rev. 11:8). Then God will
bless His people and Jerusalem will be holy and never again be invaded. (Joel 3:17-21). This will be the Millennial Reign referred
to in Revelation.
2 Peter 3 – Be Prepared
Peter
tells us when “the day of the Lord” comes there will be scoffers - people who
mock Christianity. They will insult and
criticize believers. This is happening
now, but we are to make every effort to be found spotless and blameless and at
peace with God so when the day of the Lord comes we will be ready. We don’t know when Jesus will return. It could be today or next week. God’s timing is not our timing. “… With the Lord a
day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping is promise,
as some understand slowness. He is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.
God
created time and is not limited by it.
Earth’s time is limited and God governs the schedule. He is waiting for more people to repent, but
He won’t wait forever. He has defined a
day when His final judgment will come to the earth. The time is near. I have
heard that if a 1,000 years is like a day to God then Jesus has been gone only
2 days. That’s something to think about.
These
unbelievers have forgotten the God is the Creator and has a plan. He is in charge and no one can escape His
judgment. They have forgotten or just
don’t want to admit that Jesus is the only way to the kingdom of God. “I am the way and
the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.” - John
14:6
How are
you resisting God’s truths in Scripture?
How are
you preparing for Jesus’ return?
The
Bible leaves no doubt this earth as we know it will end and Revelation makes
that truth clear. Now that you know the
ending. Will you choose to live a
godly life?
Join me
next week as we continue our study in Revelation
6. Hope to see you here.
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