Deliverance in Mount Zion
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls.” (Joel 2:32 NKJV)
In the book of Joel, the prophet warns of locusts that will come and bring locusts on the land (Joel 1:4ff), and the land is laid waste because the Day of the Lord is at hand. In other words, “the day of darkness and gloominess” (Joel 2:1). Those in the land will endure affliction, invasion, and face the judgements of God – and NO ONE can endure it (Joel 2:11).
But, there is a hope for the sorrowful and repentant (Joel 2:12-17). It is a hope that exists to those who constantly seek God (Amos 5:6), and it is a hope that belongs to those who have the seal of the Holy Spirit as a result of calling upon God (Joel 2:28-32). Deliverance and salvation belong to those who are in God’s hands!
Just as all the nations were to be judged (Joel 3:2), every single individual will be judged before the Great White Throne by the things written in the books (Revelation 20:11-14). If you are not a Christian, this means that you will also be judged. And where do you want to stand on judgment day – away from God’s grace and mercy, or in the refuge of His Son? The only way to call upon God for salvation is to follow the Biblical pattern for becoming a Christian, and to remain faithful unto death (Acts 2:38; Revelation 2:10). [[If you have not done so, feel free to contact me or one of the other ministers – contact information on the front of the bulletin – and we can set up a study!]]
– Joshua Dykes
Gospel Traveler 