The Day of The Lord
Many other passages are available to do a more in depth study of the "Day of the Lord". Joel gives the topic more treatment than any other OT writer, and he is the author who is quoted by Peter in Acts 2. Synthesizing Joel's writing and Peter's sermon is an important step for anyone who wishes to critically and holistically study this topic.
Also important to the issue of the "Day of the Lord" is the recognition that:
A) New Testament authors were looking forward to it
B) the expressions "Day of God" and "Day of Christ" seem to be parallel expressions of the same expectation.
ZEPHANIAH ON THE DAY OF THE LORD
Zephaniah sees the day of the LORD as a frightening day, as God's righteous wrath is justly poured out on the world.
He sees it as:
bitter
distressing
full of anguish
troubling
ruinous
dark
gloomy
cloudy
black
a day of attacks and battles
a time of confusion.
a time of gruesome death
from which no one can be saved.
Judgment will fall equally on the rich and the poor, the weak and the powerful.
All will be done because of sin.
This dark passage is a reminder to us that sin does not go unpunished.
We may sometimes be frustrated when it seems the evil flourish while the righteous flounder. But sin does not go unpunished.
We may be tempted to fall into sin, thinking it will not matter, there will be no significant consequences. But sin does not go unpunished.
This passage should cause one to ask, "What can be done? How can we avoid this dark day?"
The answer is in chapter 2.
Also important to the issue of the "Day of the Lord" is the recognition that:
A) New Testament authors were looking forward to it
B) the expressions "Day of God" and "Day of Christ" seem to be parallel expressions of the same expectation.
ZEPHANIAH ON THE DAY OF THE LORD
Zephaniah sees the day of the LORD as a frightening day, as God's righteous wrath is justly poured out on the world.
He sees it as:
bitter
distressing
full of anguish
troubling
ruinous
dark
gloomy
cloudy
black
a day of attacks and battles
a time of confusion.
a time of gruesome death
from which no one can be saved.
Judgment will fall equally on the rich and the poor, the weak and the powerful.
All will be done because of sin.
This dark passage is a reminder to us that sin does not go unpunished.
We may sometimes be frustrated when it seems the evil flourish while the righteous flounder. But sin does not go unpunished.
We may be tempted to fall into sin, thinking it will not matter, there will be no significant consequences. But sin does not go unpunished.
This passage should cause one to ask, "What can be done? How can we avoid this dark day?"
The answer is in chapter 2.
