judgment day – Page 3

Joel 3:1-12 – Judgment for Our Enemies

Read Joel 3:1-12

In our previous reading, Joel speaks of a time when those who call upon the LORD will be saved. This prophecy seeks to alert all the enemies who ever harmed God’s people that their judgment is at hand. They were not going to get away with their abuse of God’s loved ones. The time was coming for “pay backs.” God said to the enemies of his people, “I will strike swiftly and pay you back for everything you have done.”

We see here the example of God gathering all nations together in one place. The word Jehoshaphat means “the LORD judges,” so this was probably a symbolic reference, not necessarily a physical location. Can we assume that God still judges those who abuse us?

Hebrews 2:5-9 – Why the Cross?

Read Hebrews 2:5-9

The Preacher shifts our thinking here about Jesus. While Jesus is still all the wonderful things he was lauded for in the first chapter, we see how Jesus’ humanity stripped him of the full expression of that momentarily. Some people will ask, if Jesus was God, why did he let himself be killed? Others may say, how can God die?

Why the cross? That seems like the next question. Such a brutal way to die.“[B]ecause he suffered death for us, he is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.” Jesus has gone before us. He not only experienced what it was like to live as a human, but also to die as one. Yet when Jesus died, he conquered death!

Jeremiah 25:30-38 – Judgment Day

Read Jeremiah 25:30-38

Here’s a different twist on “all-inclusive,” and we’re not talking about resorts in Mexico! You’ll find no specificity in today’s reading. It seems the whole world is doomed. All nations will be held accountable. Isn’t that what we expect when Jesus returns? Everyone is included, and all will be judged.

I feel sorry for Jeremiah having to be the bearer of such troubling news. It’s not an easy task to be the one delivering bad news. I can almost feel the pain of police officers having to break the news to a family that a loved one has died in a car accident. They share in the tragedy of that life-changing moment for families. Jeremiah had God’s presence to give him the strength he needed to share his prophecies.

Jeremiah 12:1-13 – Justice for All

Read Jeremiah 12:1-13

blue square with white dove, standing on a gavel with a leaf in it's mouth

Have you ever caught yourself wondering the same thing Jeremiah questioned God about? Sometimes it’s hard not to compare ourselves to others who have more “stuff” than we do. That’s why God gave us the commandment to be careful with coveting. Yet, I was surprised by Jeremiah’s honest questions before God. “Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?”

It must have been hard for Jeremiah to look around at all the lavish living going on around him, knowing that those same people were all but snubbing God. He said, “You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts.” Jeremiah wanted to know where the justice was. Why do some people seem to have it so easy?

Micah 7:1-6 – Loneliness

Read Micah 7:1-6

lonely man sitting on a bench with his back to us

The life of a prophet can be lonely, especially when “the godly people have all disappeared.” It’s getting to be the same for us Christ-followers these days. Do you ever feel like you’re in the minority because of your faith? Perhaps you’ve been ridiculed in some way or even “unfriended” on social media. These are trying times, to be sure. While I’m not a prophet, I am an ambassador for Christ and that can also be very lonely.

If we take Micah’s example and keep doing what we’re called to do (tell people about Jesus), then we can appear confident, sure of God’s protection. Micah had an unpopular message from God, and rather than hide it, he exposed it. We don’t have Micah’s job but imagine all the flaming darts being flung at you right now, and then realize God is deflecting most of them. The spiritual battle is real.