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Are You In The Valley Of Decision? (Joel 3) Joel promises great blessing for those in the city of safety but destruction for those in the valley of decision/judgment…are you in the city or the valley? |
Are You In The Valley Of Decision? (Joel 3)
- Background
- Joel is a book that warns of judgment – judgment already come as a warning (Chap. 1), a greater judgment to come if they refuse to repent (Chap. 2), and a judgment upon the enemies of God’s people (Chap. 3).
- Following judgment upon Judah, blessings are promised first to the physical nation but ultimately on those that obey God in the New Testament age (2:32, Acts 2:16).
- For those in the church, God’s kingdom and place of safety, there is peace but war upon those who have set themselves against God (contrast Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9-10).
- Ultimately there is deliverance for those of the city, the faithful, and destruction for those of the valley of decision/judgment (3:19-20).
- Lessons:
- God makes the decision of judgment, but it is based on our present actions (3:2, 12; Rom. 2:16; 2 Cor. 5:10).
- This is a decision we WILL make and will ALL make. We are somewhere in this picture, either in safety or set against God (Matt. 12:30; Josh. 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21). Our choices place us somewhere, even if we try to remain indifferent (cf. 2 Thess. 1:8; Mark 16:16; 1 John 1:7).
- This is the most important decision we will make for it has eternal consequences of the great measure (Matt. 16:26; 25:46)
Are we in the valley or safe in the city?
