Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Joel 3:13, 16 Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe . . . But the LORD will be a refuge for his people.
DAY OF WRATH -- DAY OF REFUGE
The prospect of Judgment Day can be frightening. Even the believer can shudder at the thought of it. In fact, our sinful nature can only cower in fear over the impending day of judgment.
Joel describes the terror of that day in terms any farmer can understand. "Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe!" When the growing season is over the farmer knows it's time to level the fields of grain and bring in the harvest. When the world's time of grace is over, the sickle of God's divine wrath will cut down the godless nations who, in great wickedness, have opposed His will. Untold multitudes who have rejected His Son in stubborn unbelief will be laid low. Just as rows of wheat are helpless to stand against a John Deere combine, so completely helpless is unrepentant man to stand against the coming fury of God Almighty. What a dreadful day for the unbeliever, a day that marks the beginning of everlasting punishment!
These are sobering thoughts. They call each one of us to take stock. Does God's Word still hold first place in my life? Have the world's attractions captured my attention? Is it still the goal of my life to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, the coming day of wrath serves as a wake-up call. It reminds us of our sin and our need for a Savior. It calls us to remember that our only safety against that day is God Himself.
When we feel dread about the Last Day, we can take heart. The prophet Joel tells us that on that day the LORD will be a refuge for His people. God demonstrated His love for the world by sending His Son to turn away forever God's just anger toward all sin. God's Word invites all to believe in Christ and be saved. With Christ as our Savior, we need have no fear of Judgment Day. For God's people it will not be a day of wrath at all. Rather it will be a wonderful day that marks the beginning of unending joy in heaven.
Lord, on that day, that wrathful day,
When man to Judgment wakes from clay,
Be Thou the trembling sinner's Stay,
Tho' heav'n and earth shall pass away.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 612:3)
