“Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision—for the Day of the Lord is near in the Valley of Decision.”
Joel 3:14
It’s a decisive moment with eternal consequences.
Following Christ involves a crisis of faith where we choose Whom we’re going to follow: Christ or the world. As Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount in Mt. 6:24, “No man can serve two masters—for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold (Grk. ‘antechomai’—‘adhere or cling to, hold fast to, clutch, hold one’s self in opposition to, etc.’) to the one and despise (Grk. ‘kataphroneo’—‘think against, disesteem, devalue, disregard, etc.’) the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Grk. ‘mamonas’—‘wealth, avarice, worldly treasure or values, etc.’).”
Or, as some would put it, “You can’t have it both ways” or “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
Joshua put it this way before the children of Israel as they prepared to finally enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering because of their sinful rebellion: “Choose you this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15a). He knew half-heartedness or lukewarmness is never acceptable in the Lord’s sight (Rev. 3:15-16)— and neither should it be in ours.
When Elijah challenged the people on Mt. Carmel that day, He cried “How long halt (Heb. ‘pachah’—‘to hop or skip over, hesitate, limp, pass over, be divided or double-minded over, etc.’) you between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him” (I Kings 18:21a).
Interestingly, it says “And the people answered him not a word” (v.21b).
But, oh, dear Pilgrim, indecision is no decision. Hesitation, reservation and contemplation will never “enter in”—and “being near” is still not “being in” (Mk. 12:34).
The “Valley of Decision” is called that for a reason.
You must decide if you’ll “deny yourself, take up your cross (Christ’s Cross) daily and follow Him” (Lk. 9:23) or if you’ll stay where you are.
And, your decision determines what “the Day of the Lord” will be to you.
For some, like those who sat under Amos’ preaching, it was a Day of dreaded Judgment. For those who heard Hosea’s message it was a Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation. This doesn’t mean Almighty God wavers in Who He is or what He does; instead, that Day is a Day of welcome Hope for those who long to see Him. . .and a Day of fear and trembling for those who don’t.
So, what’s your decision today in “The Valley of Decision”?
“The Day of the Lord is near.”
It could be today. And, it could be tomorrow. But, it will be —for His Coming is assured.
Decide now. And, may your decision be “Yes, Lord. Here am I. Send/use me” (Is. 6:8).
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 6, 2010
