December 9
Joel 1:1-3:21 | PS 128:1-6 | Prov 29:18 | Rev 1:1-20
We read in Joel 3:14, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." This verse speaks less of man's decision, and more of God's decision of final judgment on those who are against Him. But the question still looms, "how do people find themselves in that valley?" It won't really be a battle in the true sense of the word. When Jesus comes back in the final battle, there will be no casualties on His side, and complete annihilation for the other side. So, many will wonder, "How did I get there?" There is simply no middle ground. If we don't make a clear decision for Him, then we have unfortunately made a decision against Him. Many wait to be persuaded one way or the other by persuasive arguments, for or against God. But we read in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." If you are waiting to be swayed by the masses, you will wind up joining the masses, and find yourself in a place you never imagined being. Fact checkers are almost humorous, as if those stating such facts are objective. "Experts" claim objectivity, but all are biased. So, if you are looking to be swayed by proof, then you are entering the valley with the wrong mindset. Faith is not a debate in which sides are debated. Though the evidence behind God is overwhelming, we need to come to Him in faith, and by so doing we will not be swayed by human argument.
This valley is clearly described in Joel 3:2, "I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land." The reason they are gathered is seen in 3:12-13, "“Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow— For their wickedness is great.”" These peoples and nations will most likely be gathered there enthusiastically, having been swayed by the Antichrist and his minions. They, looking at the "evidence" and focusing on nothing other than self-preservation, will actually believe they are going to defeat God. This battle is described vividly in Revelation 19, when Jesus comes down form heaven in the battle of Armageddon. This leads to the millennial kingdom, depicted in Revelation 20:1-7. We see the analogous prophetical depiction of this in Joel 3:18-21.
So, let me be clear. When I write, I am not objective. I don't claim to be. I am sold out for Jesus Christ. Having made a decision years ago for Him, I am no longer open to discussions against Him. A decision by me had to be made one way or the other. How about you? If you are still sitting on the fence, then understand, this fence is not a middle of the road decision. This fence is square in the middle of the Valley of decision, and you will not even realize that you have joined the enemies of God. Whatever it takes to make that decision do so today, while there is still breath in your lungs. Perhaps by a passage of the Bible, perhaps by a message, perhaps after investigation you will consider the things of God. But ultimately, it will be by faith that you come. So, come! Now!
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: