The valley of decision

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)

I think that a lot of people see this passage and think of it as a time when people will have to make a decision on whether to follow God or not.

But actually, their decision has already been made in this passage.

The nations march out against God in rebellion and against his people. But while they think they’re coming out to battle God, the truth is that they’re instead marching out into his courtroom.

And God says,

There I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. (Joel 3:12)

So the decision to be made is not really on the part of the nations, but on the part of God.

He will pass judgment on the people who have turned their backs on him. And for turning their backs on Christ, trampling him underfoot, they will find eternal punishment.

As it says in Hebrews 10:30–31,

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But to those who have turned to God and made him Lord of their lives, they will find forgiveness. God says,

Their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, I will pardon. (Joel 3:21)

And so before we hit the valley of decision where God will judge the living and the dead, we need to make a decision about what we will do with God.

Will we confess Jesus as Lord? Or will we live our lives in rebellion against him?

To those who turn to him, God pours out forgiveness and blessing. But to those who turn against him, judgment will come.

Which will you choose?