Through the Bible: JoelSample

Decisions, Decisions

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Joel 3:14-16 (NIV)

Today, we stand in the valley of decision and must decide if we will be for or against God. But on the day of the Lord, it will be a different story. On the day of the Lord, man does indeed stand in the valley of decision, but it will be God who does the deciding, not man. God will meet us either as a roaring lion to devour or as a strong refuge that restores. Joel prophesies a future with two sides: judgment and destruction for those who choose their own way or restoration and blessing for those who choose God. The contrasting consequences are laid out plainly in Joel 3:16-21.

The picture of restoration is one of perfect beauty. The life-giving fountain that flows from the house of the Lord illustrates the blessings that come from God. The fountain water flows to the Valley of Acacias, a place with a history of both past sin and victory. This illustrates God’s grace and provision that covers every past sin and victory. Today, on whose side are you leaning? The Lord’s side?

Prayer

Father God, thank You for calling us to choose You, for this will be the best decision we can ever make. Your plan of restoration for Your people is beautiful and filled with Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.