Bible Reading

Joel Chapter 3 - Judgment in the Valley, Shelter in the Mountain

Rely on God to walk through the valleys and climb up the mountain of faith.

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Contents

In Joel chapters 1 and 2, God pronounces judgment on Judah and calls on them to repent. Joel chapter 2 features two trumpets, a call for judgment (Joel 2:1), followed by a call for repentance (Joel 2:15).

From Joel 2:18 onwards, we see that their repentance brings about restoration from God.

Joel chapter 3 then turns to focus on the surrounding nations. With the return of God's people back to Him, the time has now come for God to judge the nations.

Judgment in the Valley

"Valley" appears in Joel 3:2, 12, 14, 18, often referring to the place where God's judgment against the nations will take place. Joel 3:2 tells us that God intends to gather all nations to the Valley of Jehoshaphat to judge them there, for the sake of His people.

In Joel 3:4,7, we see a repetition of the words "retaliate" and "retaliation". If the nations tried to retaliate against God, God will return their retaliation back upon their heads. While the nations cast lots for God's people, selling His people off, removing them far from their borders (Joel 3:3, 5-6), God says He will sell the nations far off in return (Joel 3:7-8).

Our God is a God of justice, who will by no means let the guilty go free (Ex 34:7), and will execute justice for the oppressed (Psa 103:6; 146:7). Our God is also an Almighty God, where no nation or king is able to out-smart or overthrow His plans (Psa 2:1-12).

Interestingly, the mention of the sun and moon growing dark and the stars growing dim (Joel 3:15) first appears in Joel 2:10, when God is pronouncing judgment on Zion His holy mountain. Yet, after the people of God repent and returns to Him, this same description is now used when God pronounces judgment on the surrounding nations.

While God does punish and chastise His people, the true eternal punishment is reserved for His enemies. God chastises us with the heart of a Father (Heb 12:3-11), hoping for us to truly rend our hearts and return to Him (Joel 2:12-14).

Joel 3:13 describes a harvest as well as a winepress. This reminds us of the two harvests in Revelation 14:14-20 - harvesting the earth, and gathering the vine of the earth. Often, we say that the first refers to a positive and good outcome, while the latter refers to a negative outcome. In Joel 3, we do see these two contrasting ends - salvation for God's people, condemnation for others.

Here we see God's love and faithfulness to His people, as well as the righteousness of God. Though He punishes His people for their sins, He still preserves a remnant (Joel 2:32). Though God uses foreign nations as tools to execute His judgment, He still punishes them for their wrong.

Shelter in the Mountain

While God gathers the nations to the valley, He gathers His people to the mountain. This mountain is Zion, God's holy mountain, where God dwells in (Joel 3:17, Zech 8:3). God has specially chosen Zion as His dwelling place forever (Psa 132:13-14).

Often times, Zion in the Old Testament refer to the church established by Jesus Christ in the New Testament era (Heb 12:22-23). This means that all these prophetic messages have to do with us today!

This is a mountain that will endure forever, and be acquitted of bloodshed (Joel 3:20-21). Isaiah 4:3-4 describes how the remnant left in Zion will be holy. Through the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, the filth of Zion is washed away, and the blood of Jerusalem is purged.

Today, in the church we can all be holy, only because of the blood of Jesus washing away our sins in water baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and because of the work of the Holy Spirit in cleansing and sanctifying us (Rom 8:13, 2 Thess 2:13).

God promises to bless this mountain, causing it to drip with new wine (Joel 2:24; 3:18), something often associated with the blessing of God, and also to flow with milk, reminding us about God's promise of bringing them into a land flowing with milk and honey in the time of the Exodus.

A fountain flowing from the house of the Lord in Joel 3:18 reminds us of passages like Psalm 46:4, Ezekiel 47:1, Zechariah 14:8, and Revelation 22:1. This water that flows from the house of the Lord encourages us that the church and us members should be bringing benefit and life to others around us, especially when we are all led and guided by the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

While physical mount Zion is far from the tallest on earth, spiritually this mountain is higher than all other mountains (Isa 2:2-4, Mic 4:1-3). Interestingly, while Joel 3:10 speaks of the nations beating their plowshares into swords, and pruning hooks into spears, Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 say the opposite. On God's holy mountain, God's people shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. While there's increasing wars and violence in this world, there should be increasing peace and love in the mountain of God (1 Thess 3:12-13).

This mountain is the place where God roars, proclaiming judgment upon the surrounding nations (Amos 1:2), while offering refuge to His own people (Joel 3:16). Indeed, this is what we have seen so far in Joel 3. As a mighty King, God shelters His people from the world, while rendering judgment on the surrounding nations.

Final Reflections

We often face with ups and downs in our journey of faith. At times, we feel like we are on the peak of a mountain, while at other times, it seems as though we are down in the valley.

The Book of Joel tells us that though the people of God are punished and chastised, what God desires is true repentance. And God will restore us accordingly. He brings us out of the valley, and reserving it for those who have hardened their hearts against God and rebel against Him.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
Psalms 23:4 NKJV

"Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah"
Psalms 24:3-6 NKJV

As we continue on life's journey, may we rely on God to walk through the valleys, and strive to climb up the mountain.

Related Topics

Joel

See Also

Should We Conduct Infant Baptism?

Should We Conduct Infant Baptism?

Some argue that as infants are unable to believe, they should not be baptised. They quote the incident of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, where Philip told him that if he believed with all his heart, he could get baptised (Acts 8:36-37). However, the True Jesus Church believes that we should, in fact, conduct infant baptism! While it is true that water baptism is an act of faith, it is more than just a confession of one’s faith, but also carries with it important spiritual implications. Let us look at it from a few angles. Firstly, water baptism is necessary for salvation. We can see this from Jesus’ command to the disciples to preach the gospel and baptise people. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16 NKJV Some argue that it is the faith that saves and not baptism. However, in 1 Pet 3:21, Peter mentions explicitly that baptism saves! “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” I Peter 3:21 NKJV Baptism saves, because through it we now have a good conscience before God. That means our sins are forgiven! And this is corroborated by Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 NKJV “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’” Acts 22:16 NKJV From these verses, we can see that water baptism is necessary for salvation, because our sins are washed away through baptism. The Bible tell us that death came into the world through the sin of Adam. And death spread to all man, because all sinned! Death is a result of sin, and all are condemned because of Adam’s offence. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” Romans 5:12 NKJV “And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.” Romans 5:16 NKJV All humans, from the point of their birth, are subject to death. That is a reflection of the sin that is in us. We are, by default, because of Adam’s sin, sinners as well, and subject to eternal condemnation. That means that if an infant dies, he/she will also be condemned eternally! As such, water baptism should also be conducted for infants for the remission of their sins. Infants also need salvation! Secondly, it is through baptism that we become part of the body of Christ. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:13 NKJV “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” I Corinthians 12:27 NKJV Paul also links the idea of the body of Christ to salvation, saying that Jesus Christ has reconciled both Jews and Greek, in one body, to God. “and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:16 NKJV Without baptism, infants are not part of this body of Christ that is reconciled to God. How then, can they be saved without baptism? Thirdly, baptism in the new testament, is likened to circumcision in the old testament. “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:11-12 NKJV Interestingly, circumcision was also a requirement to be considered a part of God’s people! Even foreigners who want to be included as God’s people, and keep the Passover, also have to be circumcised. “And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”” Genesis 17:14 NKJV “And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it.” Exodus 12:48 NKJV We can see from the above verses that circumcision was very important, and was a requirement to be the people of God. But, what was the significance behind the action? Was it just a physical act, or a work of the law? “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” Romans 4:11-12 NKJV Paul explains that circumcision was a sign given to Abraham of his righteousness, as a result of his faith in God! And that he might be a father of faith, to those who believe (but are uncircumcised), and those who are not only circumcised, but walk in faith! That is to say, circumcision is actually a sign that one is a descendant of Abraham, the father of faith, and likewise walks in faith in God. When then is circumcision performed on the Israelites? When they are merely 8 days old! “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.” Genesis 17:12 NKJV Even though it is a sign of faith, we can see that God commanded the Israelites to be circumcised when they were only eight days old, an age where it is basically impossible for these neonates to show any signs of faith. God wants these children to be part of His people as early as possible! Since baptism is likened to circumcision in various ways, namely an act required to be part of God’s people, and also a sign of faith in God, why should infants be denied baptism, the way of entry into the body of Christ, simply because they are too young to confess their faith? The Bible places an importance on parental faith. In the case of the Philippian jailer, by his faith, his whole household was saved. That would have included his children as well. “So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:31-33 NKJV We can also see how Jesus saved the children of the nobleman and the Canaanite woman, because they both had faith in Jesus. “The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.” John 4:49-50 NKJV “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28 NKJV The Bible also tell us that it is the parent’s responsibility to train up children in fearing God. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV Therefore, children of believers, who are not old enough to understand the concept of faith, should still be baptised, if their parents have faith. In fact, they need to be baptised to be part of the body of Christ and to have their sins forgiven! The responsibility of teaching them how to fear God and walk in faith thereafter, lies with their parents. In conclusion, let us remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God (Mk 10:13-16).” Let us not deny these children from being a part of His body and salvation.

Daniel Chapter 4 - Let the Most High God Reign in Your Life

Daniel Chapter 4 - Let the Most High God Reign in Your Life

The story in Daniel Chapter 4 is perhaps not unfamiliar to many of us. King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the great Babylonian empire, the king of kings, being turned into a beast, how spectacular is that? It's not until we read through this chapter for ourselves that we realise something even more spectacular: this whole chapter is told by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. Daniel Chapter 4 is King Nebuchadnezzar's own personal testimony! Isn't King Nebuchadnezzar the infamous evil king? How is it that in this chapter he gives praise to the almighty God? Perhaps the first thing that should catch our attention from today's chapter is the repeated phrase in verses 17 and 32. The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He wills. This phrase can even be said to be the theme of the whole Book of Daniel. This book is mostly set in the time of exile, when there seemingly was no longer any king over the people of God. Yet, in the Book of Daniel we see that though there was no earthly king ruling over Israel, God made it clear to these foreign kings that He is the almighty God. He was still the one who was truly the King. The outcome of this is that the evil king Nebuchadnezzar, probably the greatest and most powerful man during his time, writes this testimony for all peoples, nations, and languages to hear (Daniel 4:1-3). Imagine being a subject in the Babylonian empire, and receiving this declaration from king Nebuchadnezzar praising and glorifying the God of Israel. Though God's people sin against Him and are punished by being taken into exile, the name of God is still magnified. God is not put to shame. Today through baptism we have entered into the Kingdom of God. Yet, it is key for us to consider whether God truly is the King of our lives. It's natural to make many plans for our future, out of a desire to lead our dream lives. But for us Christians, the sovereignty and authority of God is something that we must be well-aware of and fully willing to submit to. If God doesn't let me get that job, are we able to accept it? If God closes the path towards our dreams, are we will to say "Let Thy will be done"? If God takes away all that we have, are we able to be like Job and say "Blessed be the name of the Lord"? If all this is causing us to struggle, remember this: God loves us. He knows what's best for us, He knows what we need. He has already given His life for us, and given us His precious Spirit to dwell within us. Having faith in God's love towards us gives us strength to submit to our King with full assurance that this is the best path for us, this is the way to blessing and to eternal life. Since our God is the highest and rules over the kingdom of man, what then should our response ought to be? Nebuchadnezzar begins and ends his testimony by praising and glorifying God. Giving praises to God is something that we have been often taught but perhaps we have not given enough thought to or taken seriously enough. Yet, throughout the Bible, it's clear that praises are a key part of our worship to God (just read the Book of Psalms). What might we praise God for? Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can praise God for His greatness and His almightiness. Just consider the stars, or the intricacies of the human body. We can praise God for His love and wisdom as seen in His creation as well as in His word. The more we study into the holy scriptures, the more we are filled with awe at how complete, connected, and wonderful these life-giving words are. We can also glorify God for His salvation which He has so freely given to us. Imagine how different our lives might be today if not for His grace and mercy! It's when we decide to finally take the importance of praising God seriously and intentionally set aside some time in our daily prayers to praise God, that we truly experience the blessing that comes along with it. We go through life being filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that we have such a great and powerful Heavenly Father who loves us. In fact, it was when Nebuchadnezzar took the glory for Himself rather than giving all glory to God, that the infamous transformation into a beast took place. This brings us nicely to the final point of reflection for this devotional. Pride - when we take glory for ourselves rather than giving glory to God. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony serves as a stark warning for us. Even just a sentence or thought of pride can greatly displease God. How often have we unknowingly taken credit for ourselves for any achievements we have, or for any divine work that we do? Being puffed up with pride and not keeping to one's proper domain is precisely the sin of satan (1 Tim 3:6, Jude 6-7). If we are filled with pride, what difference is there between us and satan? In fact, while satan exalted himself, God on the contrary lowered Himself, coming in the likeness of man and humbling Himself even to the point of death (Phil 2:5-8). Whose example do we want to follow, that of God or of satan? Let us take warning from the story of Nebuchadnezzar and carefully consider who's example we want to follow. Indeed, God opposes the proud while giving grace to the humble. He blesses the meek, that they might inherit the earth .

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