14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

15 The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine.

16 The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

17 Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, never again to be overrun by foreigners.

— Joel 3:14-17

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

— Romans 8:20-21

Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

— Revelation 22:1

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Peace, joy and wisdom from the Lord Jesus to you.

In His sovereign purpose and time, God will bring the present order of things to an end. God is intensely involved in His world and will not allow evil to stand as His word says: “The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem.” Yet, like the promises Jesus gave the churches in Revelation, Joel the prophet extended sweet assurance, promising “the earth and the heavens will tremble” but the Lord will be “a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” The only way to escape God’s judgment when the Day of the Lord is near is to turn to Him with a repentant heart.

God will be fully present with His people forever. Once spoiled by sin, God’s good creation, like His people, will find redemption and renewal through Christ. God promises overwhelming abundance during Jesus’ reign on earth. God’s presence will fill His people and satisfy their thirst with a fountain that “will flow out of the Lord’s house.” Revelation’s final chapter reveals the river of life in the New Jerusalem, reaffirming God’s promise of eternal satisfaction. A glorious future awaits God’s people!