What is the Day of the Lord? As we've been going through our weekly Bible studies here in Orange County, we've seen a common message preached in the Minor Prophets. From Joel to Amos, Obadiah to Zephaniah, we come across prophecy about the "great and terrible Day of the Lord."
While there is regular dispute about when the rapture will occur, the Day of the Lord is an easier prophecy to grasp because there is so much written about it.
The Bible makes it clear that what is known as the "Day of the Lord" will not be a pleasant experience for those on earth at that time. It is widely understood that this time will be a gathering of all nations towards Israel and God will judge the kingdoms of the world at that time. This is the final battle before the Millennial reign of Christ on earth.
Joel 2:11 says, "And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?"
Zechariah 14:1-3 says, "Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
The Day of the Lord is what is known as the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Great Tribulation period. The name for this comes from Revelation 16:14-16.
Amos 5:18 says, "Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light."
The first time Jesus came, He was our sacrificial lamb that washed the feet of sinners. The second time He will be a military commander to wage war on the wicked nations.
It is significant that Israel became a nation again in 1948 after almost 1900 years, and many end-times prophecies deal with Israel, so keep an eye on events surrounding that part of the world in the coming years. God is at work!
"Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt." - Isaiah 13:6-7
