“Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”
The focus of Joel 3 is the coming of the ‘Day of the Lord’. The context is a time when God judges the earth. Joel 3:2 says “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land,”
This valley is the valley of decision. It is essential to understand that here it is not talking about somebody choosing whether or not to follow Jesus Christ, instead, it is a place where God decides the judgment He is going to pass on the people.
2 Peter 3:7 says “But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
These passages are a wake-up call to all people. There is coming a time when the righteous judgment of God will take place. As you stand in the valley of decision, before the judicial decision of God, it will be too late. You now have time before that period arrives. God has sent these warnings before-hand so that you decide before standing in the ‘valley of decision’.
2 Corinthians 6:2 says “For he says, “In a favourable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the favourable time, now is the day of salvation. Choose life and not the judgment of God. It is a dangerous game to leave your salvation for another day, let alone another minute or second in your life. This time of grace has been gifted to us so that we may turn to him and escape the righteous judgment of God.
Romans 2:4 says “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
You see, God’s lovingkindness is surpassing. His forbearance, patience, and discipline are meant to lead us to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
So, take time today to call upon the Lord, to believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Repent of your sins and choose life. Instead, if you wish not to believe you will be condemned (Mark 16:16). At that time, in the valley of decision, you will receive the just ‘decision’ of judgment from God.
In conclusion, when we read a few verses later in Joel 3:16, it says “The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.”
When the Lord roars from Zion, it will be a terrible day for the wicked, but for the righteous, it will be a joyful day. For those in Christ, He is a refuge and a stronghold. So, make Him Lord and God of your life. Do not delay any further. Now is the time, now is the moment. Make your decision today that you may not stand and be judged in the valley of decision.
God bless.
