Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Sep 21st, 2010 Multitudes in the Valley of Decision

Today’s Reading – Joel 1 – 3

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)

This Book of Joel, much like many of the other prophetic books which we have recently read, deals in the immediate context with the people of Judah being warned of impending judgment because of their falling completely away from God. This book, however, is unique in that it begins referring to the judgment as if in the past tense. At first glance, you might think that Joel was writing after the Babylonians had already come. It is possible that the judgement referred to in chapter 1 could be a reference to the Assyrian invasion of the northern kingdom; or perhaps to one of the first incursions into Judah by the Babylonians. You may remember they came in several times before the final destruction.

Another curious aspect of this book is that it transcends from the immediate future to the distant future, promising that the day will come when God’s people will once again be in a right relationship with Him; and all their enemies will be destroyed. In the second chapter God promises that if they will repent and turn to them, “rending their hearts”, that God will be merciful. We know from history that they never do this prior to the Babylonian captivity; and from what I can gather from Scripture, they never will until the time of Great Tribulation.

Which brings us to the above referenced verse. There will be multitudes in the valley of decision. The word “decision” there has to do with judgement. On the surface it almost sounds like God will give them the opportunity to decide; however, by this time, these Gentile enemies of God will have already decided against Him. This is the great Battle of Armageddon. As I read this, part of me wants to “jump for joy” because of the victory of God. However, I then begin to think about who makes up that multitude in the valley of decision. It is made up partially of people that I know: maybe family members, neighbors, co-workers: people I failed to reach with the gospel. Then I think about Jesus weeping over the multitude because they were as sheep having no shepherd. My previous joy is now turned to mourning. Many people will enter into a Christ-less eternity that day.

But that day is not yet. I still have a little time, though it is quickly running out. I still have an opportunity to help people decide for Christ before they get to that Valley of Decision: the time of final judgment. Lord, help me to love and care about people like you do. Help me to be the testimony that I need to be. Help me to have boldness to share the gospel of Christ with the people that you have surrounded me with.