Pandemic Tip #9

April 1, 2020

Decisions, decisions. We all make choices. Those choices shape our current circumstances and future destinies. Some are choosing to stay in place, others are deciding to ignore common sense guidelines.

The prophet Joel spoke about a time of decision. Joel 3:14 states, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” [ESV]

What is Joel talking about? I am glad you asked!!!

First Joel is thought to have lived in the 9^th century B.C. Probably a contemporary of Elisha, he would have been one of the earliest writing prophets. He gives striking detail to “the Day of the LORD” which is believed to be an end time prophecy. It was Joel that Peter used on the day of Pentecost to prove the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Joel points to a time when Israel would be restored (verse 1). So he is speaking about a time AFTER Israel is distressed or disbanded. One possible meaning would be the re-founding of the nation of Israel in 1948.

Verse 2 refers to the “Valley of Jehoshaphat.” This location is where nations will be judged (also in verse 12). There is a complaint God has against the nations trading boys and girls for prostitutes and alcohol (verse 3). A revolving door of slavery is discussed in verses 4 – 8. The nations are called to war against Israel (verses 9 – 11).

This brings us to the critical time of decision. “For the day of the LORD is near” declares verse 14. The idea of "decision" is odd because the verses surrounding it are clear that this is a terrifying time of judgement. God's judgement has already been rendered. Joel must be referring to some thing else. In other words, Joel is talking about a “decision” made by humans, not made by God. 

The decision for the nations (that's us) to make is whether we will bend our knee to the King of Glory or remain in rebellion. The first offers eternal life in an eternal and literal heaven (and new creation). The second offers eternal torment in an eternal and literal lake of fire (typically known as "Hell" -- Revelation 20:14).  By the way, Jesus is very descriptive of what we generally call “Hell” as being a place of eternal emotional misery and physical torment. 

Contrary to "popular belief" God does not send anyone to Hell. We choose an eternity of misery and torment over the loving offer of eternal bliss. Then again, maybe this eternal misery is better than spending eternity in the presence of a God we have generally rejected and some have despised. But that is our decision. 

How do we make this decision? First, admit you have done wrong (“sinned”) and fall short of any and all standards of God. You have no hope in yourself or in any means, other than Jesus, to reach heaven. (Romans 3:23)

Believe in Jesus. (Acts 16:3) What we cannot do, Jesus did for us. In fact, Paul claims, “For our sake he (God the Father) made him (Jesus, God the son) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [ESV]

We must confess Jesus is Lord. This claim is audacious because it is declaring Jesus to be God, to be the sole rightful ruler of all, and to be the only one that saves. Claiming this in the Jewish/Roman world was hazardous. It cost social standing, economic well-being, and for some life. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9 – 10 NLT)

Does that seem too easy? Maybe that’s the point. All are invited. No one is excluded. So easy even a child can do it. It's as easy as A - B - C. Kind of hurts the pride, eh?