“Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem! Raise the alarm on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us.”Joel 2:1 NLT
The Day of the Lord usually referred to a day of judgement. In this instance Joel prophesies that should the people declare a fast and come to repentance, the judgement meant for Israel will come upon those the Lord used to bring about the change. Often repentance did not transpire and therefore judgement was enacted.
The beautiful thing about this chapter is that the second half of the declaration speaks about the coming of Jesus. From judgement to mercy in one chapter.
When we live outside of Christ we are subject to wrath. However, as God’s people we are covered by the blood of the Lamb. The children of Israel were saved from the angel of death by the blood of the lamb on the doorposts. This was a type of the cover in Christ. We who come to Christ are likewise covered. Just as the children of Israel were protected by God, they were also expected to live in reverence towards him. When they refused they again experienced the wrath of God. Withdrawal of protection brings us into Satan’s domain and realm of abuse. It is a tool to cause us to return in repentance.
When the prodigal son experienced hardship he came to his senses and returned to His father in repentance. Repentance brings back the cover. We cannot afford to expect God to allow us to live as if we do not belong to Him whilst claiming we do. It won’t work! The final story at the end of days will reveal the truth.
Can you risk it?
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