Words of Warning – Series on Joel
The Final Chapter
Joel 3:1-21
* Over the years many movies that carried the title- “THE FINAL CHAPTER.” Generally, with these words comes a sense of finality. Additionally, when we get to the final chapter in a book we are reading we know that our reading time is short, that the complete story has been told, and if it has any kind of ‘mystery’ in its plot—that mystery will be revealed. Final chapters carry a sense of mixed emotions.
* Having made our way through the Prophecy of Joel, we not only complete the book but we also catch a glimpse of end-time judgment. One of the truths about God word seems to be that the teaching on the end of days should serve not only as a ‘warning’ but also an ‘encouragement’ to the people of God. Candidly, it is easy to get the sense that the forces of evil have the upper hand on earth. While this is not particularly true, it is easy to be lulled into sensing this. The story of the end time events serve to remind us that a great day is coming when evil (I.E. sin, selfishness, self-economy, persecution of the saints & more) will be dealt with by Jehovah God so it serves as both an encouragement for the child of God who walks with and lives for God and it serves as a warning for those who do not walk with God.
* In reviewing, praying through, and studying this text, I see a ‘reiteration’ of other parts of the book of Joel. This “Final Chapter” gives insight into the “Final Chapter” of humanity, it divides very easily into 2 thoughts;
1. The Judgment of God - Look at these four words and allow them to burn into your mind. Americans, by and large, don’t care to hear about this subject because it can warp our sense of “a loving God.” Well, at least this seems to be the mantra of the day. Yet, like it or not and ready or not, God’s judgment is a truth from which we cannot escape. In verse 2 we read, “The Valley of Jehoshaphat” and some will wonder about the location of this valley. Well, some say it is between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives while others speculate that when Jesus comes in revelation He will split the Mount of Olives in two creating a valley between two hills and this will form Jehoshaphat. I submit that the geographic location is not nearly as important as what this means and what it is. The word Jehoshaphat means, “The Lord Judges.” In verse 14 this is referred to as the “Valley of Decision.” I submit this reference is strategically placed because God foreknew that the time would come when people would not believe that, in His love, He would judge.
a. His Actions – In verse 1, the words ‘in those days and at that time’ conveys that He is talking about a specific event in historical time. The picture almost resembles a court room where some are restored while others are gathered (brought in) and judgment begins. At that time (the end time, Judgment day), God’s people (Judah & Jerusalem) will be restored. (This is an important encouragement for God people but let’s save this thought for last.) Then God will gather all nations. This will be a ‘cattle-call’ (no disrespect intended) of all the nations who have used and abused His people. It is a gathering of those who have chosen to oppose God, His righteousness, and His people. The reason He gathers them is for the purpose of making them answer for their actions! In the valley of judgment or decision, they will face HIM.
b. His Accusations – The accusations or indictments of the unbelievers are many and scary. Start at the end of verse 2 through verse 6 and discover these; abuse of God’s people, stealing of God’s land and temple treasures, slave trade, & child trafficking. In God’s accusations I find something that is pretty interesting; it seems that God knows these people are trying to get back at HIM or ‘show Him a thing or two.’ How amazingly arrogant! Yet, this is becoming the norm instead of the exception in the 21st century. There is a strong delusion among today’s culture that we can ‘stand up’ to God and I believe it is spoken to in this section of scripture. By the way, it carries devastating effects. To fall under an indictment as dictated by deity is to be found guilty.
c. His Approach – Do you see how God’s responds to the arrogant words of His enemies? Let’s read verses 7 and following. He offers a warning about what lies ahead. He uses the words which mean ‘to deal with’ or ‘to give retribution or recompense.’ Basically, God’s words are like, “You want to try me? Go for it?” Then God paints a picture of what will happen (He’ll will treat these people the exactly way that they have treated HIS people.) And He doesn’t stop there; He challenges His enemies to declare war on Him, gather the people, make weapons to do battle, and meet Him in the valley of decision. Make no mistake, at this point, God has had enough and judgment is at hand.
d. His Adjudication – One meaning for adjudication is the concept of ‘settlement.’ This is exactly what we see in verse 16; God’s settlement on His enemies. He has them on the battlefield in the Valley of decision, He raises His trumpet-like voice to shake heaven & earth, and He protects His own people. In the process, the divine sickle will be swing to cut off the arrogant, evil, and self-centered! It’ll not be pretty.
2. The Justice from God (for His People) – As we end verse 16, we see a different action from on high. While God gathers His enemies, passes judgment on them in the valley of decision, and swings the sickle of judgment; He then demonstrates His passion for those who are His people. Look at His actions;
a. Protection – He is both a refuge and stronghold for His people. Simply put, a ‘refuge’ is a place for refugees. In the USA we are very familiar with the concept of refugees as they come here from all over the world. They come here for sanctuary, protection, and even shelter. One translation calls this a “safe hiding place.” When the Lord both roars and raises His voice in Judgment, those who are His (who have received His salvation, walked in His righteousness, persevered thru the difficult time, etc) will find God to be a ‘safe hiding place.’ He is and will be our wall of protection. Also, He is a stronghold. This is a place where we can be confident and sure. He is our stronghold. This is what He believes HIS children deserve.
b. Presence – In that day (even more than today) God’s people will KNOW what it is like to be in the presence of Holy God. When I read verse 17 my mind immediately goes to Revelation 21:3 which are heard from the throne, “God’s dwelling place is with men.” Everything God has done is pointed to this one truth, “He wants to be with His crown creation!” This is why He created man & woman to begin with, that He could spend time with them and have fellowship together. In the Old Testament we see clues in the life of Abraham, Jacob, Enoch, and more that God wants to dwell with us. Then Jesus, God incarnate, came to offer us the presence of God in the first person. When Jesus ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father, God the Holy Spirit has come to be WITH us. Yet one day the redeemed will spend eternity with the “Triune God” (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit)—He will dwell with us, we will be with Him, and He will be our God, not in abstract but in presence.
c. Provision – Verses 18 and 19 give us a contrast between those absent the Father’s salvation and those with it. Egypt and Edom, symbols of a land or a life without Jehovah will be desolate and a wasteland. We can picture the land without the obvious blessings of God. The picture that comes to mind is a ‘desert,’ where there is little green vegetation or growth. In the same way today, a life can be viewed this way. Absent the protection and presence of God in a life, there is nothing of any consequence growing. Temporal things may take center stage, but of the eternal there is little seen without Christ in the life.
* But look at what happens in verse 18 when God is present; the hills flow, the mountain drip, and the springs are full. The picture is a spring bursting forth from the Lord’s house and household. This reminds me of my dad’s fish pond. When digging it he thought that he would have to depend on rain water to fill it up or would maybe supplement it by water from our well. Yet, as he began to dig, he unearth several springs in the land. He just had to dig deep enough to release them.
d. Promise- Verse 20-21 gives great promises to God’s people. (READ) When God says, “I will”, you can trust Him! He is as good as His word. Judah & Jerusalem can be seen symbolically; historically, prophetically, and/or personally. Historically it speaks to the nation who have sinned & been carried into bondage. Prophetically we remember that one day the NEW Jerusalem will come down from the Father. Personally we can be encouraged because God’s people, His redeemed, will be pardoned and will reside for all eternity in the land of Zion! Guess who lives in Zion? God does. What an encouraging promise~!
* When you read the ‘final chapter’ of any book or see the final seen from any movie, all the suspense is removed. At our house we have a DVR so that we can record shows that we may not have time to sit and see. How many times has it happened that Deb will walk in during the middle of a show and say, “I don’t want to see the end?” Yet, God has given us the ending, we have been given the final chapter, and all we have to do is to be ready. What does the Lord require? Micah 6:8 says, “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly WITH YOUR God.” These characteristics do not come naturally or easily to us because of our sinful nature. This world will pull at us until we ‘miss the mark’ which is called sin. Yet, God is a ‘very present help in time of trouble.’ He stands ready to make you ready for the final chapter.
* A little boy went with his fisherman father for a first trip on a lake. Fear gripped his little heart, and he held on so tight his little knuckles were white. "Is the water over my head?" he asked. "Yes, son," said the father. "Is it over your head?" The boy asked as the land grew farther and farther away. "Yes, son, I'm afraid it is," replied the father. Tears rolled down the boy's cheeks, and then he asked, "Is the water over God's head?" The father grew very sympathetic and told him that it was not over God's head! Our troubles may seem to be above our heads, but God is able to help. Will you be ready?
