Reading
SAA Notes
Judgment and blessing – these are corollaries, not opposites. This chapter is rich in metaphor and memorable picture language. The fountain prophecy comes to its fulfilment with Jesus, the water of life. (John 14:14, Revelation 21:6,22:1,17)
SJA Notes
* Gracious Lord, please open our eyes today to this portion of Your word. Teach us Lord, show us Jesus.
“I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgement with them there, …”
Humanity together cannot all “just be friends”.
Not with each other, and not with God.
God is JUDGE. And He judges SIN.
God’s word tells us that there are two states on the final day of judgement.
You are either found in Christ or you are not. You are either one of His sheep or you are a goat. You are either standing before the judge with Jesus’ righteousness as Yours, or you stand on your own.
As well, in the _now_, we cannot be one world living in harmony. That is folly.
There will always be snakes and wolves who deceive and rend and tear.
The message of God’s word, to us and to the world around us, is that there is hope and life and love ONLY BECAUSE Jesus came and took the punishment for our own sin on Himself.
We all deserve the just punishment for our sin.
The good news is that Jesus makes it possible to escape God’s wrath by believing in Him as King and Saviour.
* Father God,
Please help us as we grapple with the hard truths we read here in the book of Joel.
Thank You that in Jesus we can escape Your just and holy wrath, the penalty for our rebellion, our rejection of You and Your law.
Please protect Your people from the wolves that are amongst us in sheep’s clothing and those before us clear and present in the world.
We trust in You God Almighty, You are our refuge and strength!
Amen.