Sunday: The Day of the Lord
However much we tend to think of the second coming of Jesus as a New Testament teaching alone, that’s not true. Of course, only after the first coming of Jesus, after His death, resurrection, and ascension were we given a fuller and richer revelation of the truth surrounding the Second Coming.
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But, as with so much else in the New Testament, the Old Testament reveals hints and shadows of this crucial truth long before it will happen. With the doctrine of the second coming of Jesus, the New Testament authors didn’t reveal a new truth; instead, they greatly enhanced a truth that had already been revealed in the Bible. Only now, in light of the crucified and risen Savior, can the promise of the Second Coming be more fully understood and appreciated.
Read the following texts. What do they teach us about the second coming of Jesus? Isa. 13:6; Isa. 13:9; Zech. 14:9; Dan. 12:1.
Beyond question, the “day of the LORD” will be a day of destruction and sorrow and turmoil for the lost. But it is also a day of deliverance for all of God’s people, those who are “found written in the book” (see also Phil. 4:3, Rev. 3:5, Rev. 13:8) . This theme, that of the “day of the LORD” as a time of judgment against the wicked but also a time when God’s faithful are protected and rewarded, is found in the Old Testament. For instance, though some will face the “LORD’s fierce anger”, those who heed the call to “seek righteousness”, and “seek humility” will “be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger” (Zeph. 2:1-3, NKJV).
Read Matthew 24:30-31. In what way do these verses show this same great dichotomy between the lost and the saved at the second coming of Jesus?
| As final events unfold, which side we are on will only become more apparent. What choices can and must we make now to make sure we’re on the right side? |
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When Jesus comes all nations the tribes of the earth they shall mourn because of Him, He will come in the glory of the father mountains shall quake, valleys shall give way and all nations shall gather, every eye shall see Him. beloved those that will survive are those who have made a covenant with Jesus in advance.
For the very last question, doesn't Zeph 2:3 hold the answer?
Yes, it does answer the question. Sometimes I just want to shout the message of Zephaniah 2:3 from the rooftop, in the streets, everywhere I go, to tell all my neighbors and friends: "Seek the Lord...Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger". Please repent now!
I invite my neighbors and friends to my church, I visit and pray with them, and I try to live the Christian lifestyle before them, but they are not interested in anything to do with God. It is my constant prayer that they will shake off their indifference, repent, and be reconcile to God before the "Day of the Lord" comes.
Concerning your efforts for the indifferent Toni, Ps 126:6.
I prayerfully hope for that! Thanks Robert!
Day of the Lord - Judgement
God’s wrath poured out on unbelievers
God will deliver the remnant of Israel
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14);
“Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near” (Zephaniah 1:7).
The final outcome of the day of the Lord will be that “the arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17).
This day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.
To be ready for Christ’s imminent return we must be vigilant in prayer and Bible study. We must not forget to commune and worship with other believers and spread the good news.
When the Lord returns for His own, it will be after a heavy storms and true Test and it will be like a sun coming out after storms.