Peter Barnes | Joel 3:1-21
SERMON NOTES
IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joel 3:1-21
There are probably a few layers of meaning:
(a) the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. by the Babylonians, the exile that followed, and the restoration after 539 B.C.;
(b) the calling in of the Gentiles;
(c) the great Day of Judgment.
Verse 14 is not about our decision but God’s judgment.
1. God brings charges against His enemies.
– 3:1-2. In Jehoshaphat’s day, God preserved His people (2 Chron.20).
– 3:4-5; 3:3, 6-8. These are war crimes.
– Remember the promise back in Genesis 12:3. The punishment would fit the crime – 3:4, 7-8. Harvest time in 3:12-13.
2. God challenges unbelievers.
– 3:9-11. This is sarcasm, a parody of Micah 4:3 and Isaiah 2:4. See Psalm 2:1-4. To fight against God is futile. We actually win by surrendering to Him.
3. God delivers His own people.
– 3:16-21; Revelation 22:1-2.
– this is the heavenly Zion (Gal.4:26; Heb.12:22-24; Rev.14:1).
– two groups of people and two destinies – Matt.25:34, 41; Rom.6:23; 1 Cor.1:18; 2 Cor.2:15-16a. There are those who declare war on God and those who take refuge in Him.