16 May (Joel 3)

Joel 3

(v.2) Joel is describing what we hear often called today, Armageddon. This is the final battle between God (Jesus) and all unbelievers. The valley is named Megiddo, and it's also called the valley of Jehoshaphat. In Hebrew, Jehoshaphat means God Will Judge.

Scholars have noted that when Napoleon Bonaparte travelled to this area, he saw how perfect the valley would be for the final battle according to the Bible. He saw it as the perfect place to have many nations, and millions of people fight at one time.

I also point out to my kids that Israel is always special to God. He will return His focus on Israel once He has brought His Bride (the Church) to heaven in the Rapture. The whole world, without Christians in it, will try to get rid of the nation Israel, once and for all. They will get close, but God will come again and save them. This time of affliction and distress for Israel is called the Great Tribulation by Jesus Himself. Matt 24:21; Rev 2:22, 7:14

Only when Israel sees that there is no hope for saving themselves, they will turn to God. Hosea 5:15

(v.14) The Valley of Decision is where God will judge the nations and peoples that rejected Him and fought against Israel...His land.

(v.15) Here we see the darkness referred to many times for the last days.

(v.17) Jesus will sit on the Throne of David and reign for 1,000 years...this is called the Millennium. Only then will there be peace, since the Prince of Peace is ruling in Jerusalem!

(v.18) Creation will be restored, except for the lands that fought against God...they will be desolate.