THE LORD SPOKE (December 14)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Joel 3

Most agree that it’s the same as the Kidron Valley on the east side of Jerusalem. It is called “the Valley of Jehoshaphat” (“the LORD judges”), because Jehovah will sit in judgment there. To the east of Jerusalem the Mount of Olives, which is actually a small chain rather than a single promontory, provides a natural grandstand looking down into the Kidron since the two run parallel to each other and to the Old City wall for over a mile. It amounts to ringside seating for the events depicted here.

When will this take place? Verse one locates the time as “in those days”. These are still future because God promises that thereafter “never again will foreigners invade” Jerusalem (vs. 17). The time is further identified as “the Day of the Lord” (vs. 14). Yet another hint comes from verse 18, “a fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house” which needs to be linked to the prophesies of Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22.

Who will be judged? All the nations of the earth (vs. 2, 11,12).

Why will they be judged and for what? The way each nation has treated Israel will be the basis for judgment (vs. 2,19). Another part of the Abrahamic Covenant will finally be fulfilled - “whoever curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3). In a striking reversal of the millennial conditions (see Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3), plowshares will be beaten into swords and pruning hooks into spears (vs. 10) and “the Lord will roar from Zion” (vs. 16) so that even the earth and sky will tremble.

God will not let the nations “get away with it” forever. He has promised or, as Joel says, “the Lord has spoken” (vs. 8).


Current historical note:

Some of this judgment will not wait until the final Day of the Lord. God quickly removes His hand of blessing from the individual or from the nation that mistreats His people. Witness the once mighty nation of Germany - mighty enough to attempt world domination twice in thirty years - as it struggles today. Witness the once vast United Kingdom as it has traitorously turned away from its own Balfour Declaration and become a struggling island. Witness the United States as we have grown infatuated with Arab oil and open to listen to Muslim terrorist arguments to “justify” their violent opposition to Israel. Now we are struggling. Witness the Obama Administration as it pressures and repeatedly forces Israel’s hand while growing ever closer to the Palestinian Authority. It is increasingly charmed by Islam and oblivious to what is happening in Iran at an alarming speed. God has written “Ichabod” over all these.


Proverbs 14

“I love hard work. I could sit and watch it all day.” So says the wag who is best defined as a lazy man - someone of whom the book of Proverbs has much to say.

Here in Proverbs 14:23 we’re told, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” The same idea was expressed back in Proverbs 10:4 in these words, “Lazy hands make a man poor but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Keep in mind that wealth is calculated in more than just cash or material goods. Though that is at least part of the emphasis here, it’s certainly not all. Foolish choices can dissipate your wealth no matter how hard you work. Along with the hard work you must practice the principles of godly living as taught in this book. This is not a blanket promise or some health-and-wealth gospel.

Why is hard work good for us? Why is it profitable, even beyond obtaining material things?

1. It’s how God made us. He gave us strength and the ability to produce.
2. It’s the means by which we can be productive and find meaning in life.
3. It’s the means by which we can provide for those we love and who depend on us.
4. It’s our way of being creative. Like our Creator, we can make things beautiful. We can’t create ex nihilo (out of nothing) as He can, but creativity is part of the image of God in us. It’s one way to fulfill His purpose in us.
5. It fills our days with meaningful activity. Life without work would quickly become a meaningless void.
6. It is the proper use of the body and strength that God gives us. These are tools meant to be used.

By God’s design, work is in itself a thing of fulfillment. Worthwhile work, productive work, creative work is a thing of joy and beauty. It is one very good means of giving glory to God by functioning the way He intended.