THE DAY OF THE LORD

Amos 5:18-27; Joel 2:1-2; Zeph.1:14-18; Mal.4:1-6; Mat.24:1-31; Rev.6:1-17

The day of the Lord is the end of History as we know it. That Day is not going to be one single 24 hour day. It is a season of judgments and punishments and purifications and restoration of all things.  (Revelation 1:10) is not referring to Sunday as some people believe. Sunday was called the first day of the week, not the Lord’s Day (John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7). The character of this day of the Lord has been attested to by prophets of old. Many in Israel understood it as a day of restoration, a time when they would have victory over their enemies.  It was linked to their expectation of the Messiah. But Zephaniah called it a day of darkness and gloominess. Jeremiah referred to  as the Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble (Jer.30:17). But it will not be Jacob’s trouble only, it will be a day of world-wide judgement. Unbelieving men and women and children will face the wrath of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the end God will restore all things and make all things new.

The Imminence of The Day

Like A Thief in The Night (1Peter 3-18; Mat.24:42-46; Mark 13:35-37)

Near Even At The Doors (Mat.24:33)

Signs To Watch Out For (Mat.24:32-33)

As In The Days Of Noah (Mat.24:36-39)

The Coming of the Day of the Lord (Christ) is imminent. That means He can come at any time and we do not know the time He would come. We do not know the actual time, but we are encouraged by the \lord to watch out for tale tell signs.

A Thief does not warn the house owner when he would come. It is the house owner’s responsibility to watch

The day of Noah was used to characterise the future Day Of The Lord. People in Noah’s day had corrupted themselves beyond belief. But they continued their normal life, oblivious of God’s judgement. And when it came it took them by surprise. That is how the Day of the Lord is going to be. As it is today, men are heedlessly rushing into sin. God is not in their agenda. It is all about sinful pleasure, power, authority and wealth. Since they have rejected Christ, that day will take them by surprise.

 

Character Of The Day

Amos 5:18-27; Joel 2:1-2; Zeph.1:14-18; Mal.4:1-6; Math.24:1-31; Rev.6:1-17

Day O Judgment

Day Of Terror

Day Of Blackness and Darkness

Day Of Multiplied Trouble

The prophet Zephaniah gave a graphic description of the day of the Lord: Day of  Wrath; Day of Trouble; Day of Distress; Day of Wasteness,; Day of Desolation; Day of  Darkness; Day of Gloominess; Day of Clouds; Day of Thick Darkness (Zeph.1:14-18).

(Amos 5:18-20): A day of Darkness and not light – as if a man fled from a lion , and a bear met him; or He went into the house and learned on the wall (panting for breath after fleeing form two ruthless killers), and a serpent bit him

Malachi said it was a day that shall burn like oven (Mal.4:1)

(Rev. 6:14-17): world leaders will pray to the mountains to fall upon them! They would suddenly discover that the Christ they have rejected is their Judge, and He will not show mercy. Why? They rejected His mercy offer for more than 2000 years. They will show no sign of repentance!

In Mat.24 Jesus clearly revealed what will happen on that day:

Call To Repentance

The Opening Call Of Christ (Mat. 3:1-10; Mat.4:7; 9:13; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:2-5)

God Not Willing That Any Should Perish (2Pet.9-10)

Seek Justice and Righteousness (Amos 5:24)

Rend Your Hearts (Joel 2:12-18)

Jesus began his ministry by calling people to repentance. Today the world is still being called to repentance. If they repent, who know the \lord might send a great revival in their souls and save them from the Day of His wrath. God also calling us to repentance today. The Day of the Lord is coming.  If God did not spare His Son in order that He might save sinners, Sinners will not be spared if they do not repent and believe in Jesus for their salvation. Repentance means turning around. Stopping the sinful things you used to do and doing what is right in the sight of God according to Scriptures. Repentance must come from the heart, not just external. It is what has happened inside of you that will affect your external self. So as Joel says, “Rend your hearts and not your garments” (Ron.3:23; 6:23; Ezek.18:4; Rom.10:9-10; 5:8). God has not appointed His Children to wrath (1Thes.5:1-11).

 

Restoration Of Creation

Behold I Make All Things New

(Rev. 21:5)

The Purpose of God in all this is to renew His creation and restore it as beautiful as it was from the beginning! We shall be part of it.