the day of the Lord

Our faith community just finished reading a book together. It is a very short yet powerful work called Epic by John Eldredge. Not only was the book great, but our weekly discussions made it even better and more important. I loved to experience the interaction between each other, the book and, of course, Scripture. Fantastic!

Anyway, the final chapter of the book, Act Four, according to Eldredge, is called “The Kingdom Restored.” He paints a picture of what the end of God’s story looks like. It’s an image that includes wonderful dream-like thoughts of heaven and also horrible nightmare-like thoughts of hell. His point, which is a very good and Biblical one, is that the story had a beginning and it has an ending. At some point that only the Author knows, the narrative will end.

There is a phrase spoken throughout Scripture, but especially by the Old Testament prophets, that applies here. They continually talked about “the day of the Lord.” Now this day was spoken of in much the same way. In some cases it was the picture of paradise…when a lion can literally lie down with a lamb…when sickness, pain and sorrow cease…when evil is finally eradicated forever. In some cases, though, it’s the opposite depiction…when judgment for sin finally comes swift and hard…when all human control ends and we must pay for what we’ve done and how we’ve stewarded our time on this land.

Lots of people talk about “eternity.” Many are familiar with terms like “heaven” and “hell.” Just about everyone wants to end up in “the sweet by and by.” Regardless of our terminology, however, I think we must acknowledge this fact: there is an end to this story. One day life as we know it will cease. There are dozens of variations as to what happens at that point, but I think the Bible is fairly clear on the basics. On that day the Lord will make all things new again. It will all be restored. Whatever is broken gets fixed. Those who have remained faithful get rewarded. Those who rebelled get punished. God is love, but He is also just. And a just God must eventually make all things right again.

To those who stand opposed to God, this is very bad news. When a child is guilty and hiding, facing his/her parents is a dreadful thing. To those who stand with God, however, this is phenomenal news. When a child is forgiven and loved, facing his/her parents is a wonderful thing. “The day of the Lord” ought to be fantastic news for us all. It was meant to be that way. The whole idea is to seek God here and now, before it’s too late, while we still have a choice. See, our part in the story is quickly fading and if we wait too long…

The invitation stands. It’s there for all humanity everywhere. God does not play favorites with anyone and loves all of His children equally. Scripture implores us, and I implore you, not to toy with this eternal decision. He is calling to you today, right now. He has been calling your entire life. Answer Him. Speak back. Surrender control. Begin a new relationship today. I can promise it will be the best decision of your life!