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Very often in Scripture there are concepts that cannot be fully studied without taking a few side trips. Early in our study we did just that when we ventured out of Revelation and into Nehemiah and Daniel, Daniel, and Daniel. For the next few weeks we are going step out of The Revelation and take several excursions into both the Old and New Testaments in order to explore what Scripture says about the ‘Day of the LORD’. It is impossible to study the rapture without also studying the Day of the LORD because the timing of the two events are inextricably tied together. After much study it is my personal belief that the rapture takes place immediately before the beginning of the Day of the LORD. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
We will be taking a look at the many places in Scripture where the phrase ‘Day of the LORD’ is used. It is needful for us to do this in order to piece together exactly what takes place and when it all happens, so pack a lunch, friends, we are going on a lengthy trip through the Bible.
Because ‘context is king’ I will be giving you references for large passages of Scripture that I hope and pray you will examine in your own personal study time. Additionally, I will offer you the verses that I feel are crucial for you to see completely written out. Following each Scripture, I will list for you the major happenings that are detailed in that passage. From this we will build a profile of ‘the Day of the LORD’.
Are you ready? Let’s go. (All Scripture references are from the ESV)
The entire book of Obediah, with a focus on Obediah 1:15
For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.
Obediah is prophesying to Edom (the descendants of Esau), as well as to all nations, in approximately 560 BC. This prophecy concerns the way that Edom and all the nations have treated Israel.
The entire book of Joel, with a focus on Joel 1:15, 2:1 and 2a, 11, 30 and 31, and 3:14
Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes. (1:15)
Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! (2:1-2a)
The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? (2:11)
And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (2:30 and 31)
Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (3:14)
Written to Judah and the nations sometime after 586 BC, Joel tells us several things about the Day of the LORD:
- It is near
- It is a day of darkness, thick clouds, and gloom
- It is great and very awesome (not a good kind of awesome!) and is not something that people will be able to endure
- Before the day of the LORD takes place there will be wonders in the heavens and earth, blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun shall be darkened and the moon turned to blood. (Remember Seal #6, Trumpet #1, Trumpet #2, Trumpet #4, and Trumpet #6?)
- God will use the day of the LORD to judge the nations in the valley of decision, or the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Examining the entire book of Joel will reveal that there will be a ceasing of the grain and drink offerings because of the Day of the LORD. We also find that the Lord will shelter His people and strengthen them. Remember this. We will come back to it because it is highly significant when we begin to piece together a timeline.
Amos 5, with a focus on Amos 5:18 and 20
Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD? It is darkness, and not light. Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?
That’s pretty self-explanatory. Darkness and gloom. No light or brightness. I feel that this is not only speaking of physical darkness, but also spiritual and emotional darkness.
Isaiah 13, with a focus on Isaiah 13:6 and 9
Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come! Behold the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it.
The day of the LORD is a judgment on sinners (those who do not accept Christ) from God. Might this suggest that Christ followers will not be present for it?
This is a good place for us to take a break. Next time we will step back into the Old Testament and look at more verses that reference the day of the LORD. Until then, I encourage you to ponder what we have learned about the rapture and the day of the LORD.
SDG/FCA!
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