IN THAT “GREAT GETTIN’ UP MORNING”
Think of it this way . . .
There have been times in the history of this world—incidents of such epic proportions—that when they happened, each event was so overwhelming that it caused people to halt and ponder the dread of it all. The majority of people felt so stunned by it, they didn’t know how to respond. Knowledge of these events would cause the dedicated student of God’s Holy Word today to recognize that such a happening was very possibly a “Day of Jehovah,” or “Day of the Lord,” as mentioned many times in the Bible; knowing that it was a particular judgement of God upon mankind(as He decides the time), due to their excessively wicked ways.
Such an event is described by God’s prophets this way:
“Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us. It is a day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick clouds and deep blackness.” (Joel 2:1–2, NLT)
“That terrible day of the Lord is near. Swiftly it comes – a day of bitter tears…. It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out.” (Zephaniah 1:14, 15, 18, NLT) Its purpose is clear:
“…the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near… because you have sinned against the Lord.” (Zeph. 1:7–8, 17, NLT)
What people can do about it is also clear:
“Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger begins. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.” (Zeph. 2:2–3)
We learn from 2 Peter 3:10 that the last day of earth’s existence will be a Day of the Lord (His final Judgement and the end of time as we now know it). We learn from verse seven that “the present heavens and earth… are being kept for the day of judgement, when ungodly people will be destroyed.” As fearful as that may sound, we who are believers are looking forward to it: “So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” (1 John 4:17, NLT)
Where are you living?
-John D.
