In today’s YouTube video Rudy Ross explains the theme of judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Please take a few minutes to listen to the video. You will appreciate Rudy’s understanding of the passage.
The focus of today’s blog article is a verse that has been a preacher’s favorite for generations.
Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of decision. (Joel 3.14)
When I was beginning the ministry, we teased one another about sermons having three points and a poem. I have four points and no poem for thoughts on this passage.
(1) The Day of the Lord
I think most people in the world live as practical atheists. While we might profess belief in God, our actions suggest that we live as if He doesn’t exist.
However, there will come a time when this will change, particularly around the period known as the Day of the Lord.
On the Day of the Lord, we will recognize the reality of God and give Him the respect He is due.
For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.” (Romans 14:11)
If we view today as a day of decision, a very good choice we can make is to begin living as though God does exist. The best choice we can make is to connect with Him and to be led by Him each and every day..
(2) Multitudes in the Valley of Decision – I am uncertain about which events in world history will ultimately awaken humanity to the reality of God’s existence and the importance of serving and following Him.
However, we can actively pray for God to use current historical events to draw us closer to Himself.
A few days ago, I wrote an article about being critical of others. The theme of that article was that, instead of being critical, we should be prayerful.
As we look at world events today, rather than criticizing leaders or trying to assign blame to someone, we should bring all of our concerns to God. Let’s ask Him to bring humanity to a place of decision where they see Him for who He is.
(3) The Crossroads of Choice – The Valley of Decision represents the point where our free will directly encounters God’s guidance.
The critical question is: will we accept and follow what He has revealed to us in the Bible, or will we persist in the attempt at self-rule?
In the garden, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” In the Lord’s Prayer, He taught us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
As we encounter God’s guidance, we do well to follow both His teaching and His example.
(4) Opportunity Time – The Valley of Decision is a place of decision and judgment and an opportunity for change and renewal.
The greatest opportunity in life is to know the Greatest Being of All, who loves us and sacrificed Himself for us.
The Valley of Decision offers a chance to develop a friendship with Him, embrace His leadership, and let Him transform our character to mirror His.
Shouldn’t that be a priority for all of us?
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 