Scripture Reading: Joel 2:28-32

Introduction

A. There are few chapters studied as frequently in churches of Christ as Acts 2, because this chapter records such a pivotal moment.

B. Have you ever considered the contents of this chapter from the vantage point of a first-century Jew?

Discussion

I. The “great and awesome day of the Lord” (Acts 2:20) was not a day that any Jewish person hoped to see.

A. The prophecy about this day was penned by the prophet Joel in the wake of a dreadful disaster (Joel 1:2-13).

B. Joel said that this wasn’t just a time for mourning, but also to sanctify and cry (Joel 1:14-15; 2:1-11).

C. Joel was not the only prophet to speak of “the day of the Lord” as a day of joy and destruction (Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 30:2-3; Amos 5:18-20; Zechariah 14:1-2).

II. The good news is that there is something we can do.

A. Joel called the people to repent, and he assures them that God will have mercy (Joel 2:12-32).

B. Peter’s message at Pentecost is effectively the same as Joel’s (Joel 2:13-14; cf. Acts 2:37-38).

C. Where will you stand in “the valley of Jehoshaphat” when “the day of the Lord” comes (Joel 3:12-13; 2 Peter 3:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10)?

Conclusion

A. Paul says the “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

B. Are you living as a child of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5)?