It’s decision time whether we realize it or want to face it. Joel is to the Old Testament what John is to the New Testament. What God gave John on Patmos, he gave to Joel. There was a vision of the day of the Lord—what’s coming—the rapture—the tribulation—the antichrist—the judgment. What God wants us to know has been prophesied. Many prophets make up the whole picture. Things can change for the better or they can change for the worse. It’s decision time.
Joel 3:13 “Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”
Joel is not using symbolism or word imagery. The clear fact of the matter is here. Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision. Decisions are a must in life. We do it all the time. You decided to come here today. God brought you here but first you had to make a decision to follow his bidding. Decisions have an impact on our life, even spiritually. By and large this congregation is saved. We made a decision to accept the Jesus that God decided to send for our sins. We either make decisions to be obedient or not. If we think we can be our own kind of Christian, we’re in trouble.
The whole world is in this valley. We make the decisions we make because we want to. What decisions will you make for today? This week? You may see some as not having a thing to do with your spiritual life. They could be at home or work, but today you’re called upon to look the Lord square in the face and decide something. What is it?
Some decisions are cut and dry. The devil wants us to listen to him. God wants us to listen to him. Be careful of what you think. Everyday we’re approached to take false steps in the mine fields of life. We live in perilous times. The devil presents alluring opportunities. It pays to consider the ramifications. We face the issues of personal life and those around it. Things are thrown at us. One misstep can blow it all up. When the Word is not in your hands, keep in your heart.
We have the decision of service. We serve one of two masters. The Lord knows if we truly serve him. The terrain of life is like a valley, and multitudes are in it. A valley can’t exist without two mountains. On one side is the mountain of God full of blessings and responsibilities. On the opposite side is the mountain of the devil. It’s piled high with sins of our choosing. Our legs aren’t long enough to reach the sides of both mountains. We can’t walk like that. Here we stand in the valley. Which way will we go?
The ways out are on opposite ends too. How you get out of the valley is the result of which mountain you choose We entered into the valley when we were born. People influence us; the devil tempts us, but ultimately it’s our own decision, bad or good. I can’t choose your mountain. You can’t choose mine, BUT we have to choose. Elijah said “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”
Before us is the opportunity for revival. If you’re waiting for Donnie to rouse your emotions, he can. If that’s all you want, you can get it. You’ll come out of revival in a valley worse than the one you’re in now. Revival won’t come Friday night or Thursday or Wednesday or Tuesday or Monday. The valley is here now. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Do you want revival? Do I want it? We need to decide right now. We have to go out one side or the other. The devil yells and tries to lure us out his end. Decide. “Preacher, I’ve been saved for years.” Is that what you’re thinking? Joel isn’t directing these words to the lost but to the children of Israel. At the end of what they chose was captivity. If we decide the wrong way, we’ll end up captive by our Baal’s.
A decision is called for. The storm is coming. The day of the Lord will soon be here. What’s your decision?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 