The mountains will drip new wine

The mountains will drip new wine

Scripture: The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. “Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. “In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the LORD’s house and will water the valley of acacias Joel 3:16-18

Observation: Joel Chapter 3 speaks of the Lord restoring the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, and judging the nations that had plundered them. The themes of restoration and justice can be felt throughout the chapter. There is a call to war, in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The Book of Revelation also speaks about this day, calling it Armageddon, where the Lord will pour out His wrath on His enemies.

In the Scripture chosen, we see the great power of the Lord, reflected in great thunder and the shakings of the heavens and the earth. Most of us have heard very loud thunder, and cringed at the sheer volume of the sound. Every time we hear thunder and see lightning, we are reminded of the power of the Lord in Heaven. It is not without reason that He has created the elements in the forms He has chosen. Even watching on TV the mass devastation caused by the recent Tsunami in Japan, one cannot help but tremble at the power of the Lord. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, all remind us of the coming end. Many put their trust in themselves, but who can stand in the face of the nature God has created?

Yet the Lord is a refuge for His people. We who are in the Lord Jesus are the Lord’s people. We are His own. He is the Shepherd, we are His sheep. Jesus will be our stronghold, our refuge! The Scripture also writes that Jerusalem will be holy. Again we are reminded that we are saved to be holy. Just as God called Israel out of Egypt to be a holy people unto Himself, we are called out of the world to be a holy people unto Jesus.

The final picture of the mountains dripping with new wine, the hills flowing with milk, and the ravines running with water give us a wonderful image of the perfection and beauty of the coming reign of Jesus.

Application: Whenever we see lightning or hear thunder, or behold a great event of nature, remember that God is all-powerful and all-mighty, and we are just His humble creatures, dependent on His grace and mercy. It is a reminder to us not to be proud, but in humility fear God and shun evil. Put our trust completely in Jesus are our refuge, our stronghold. Recognize that we are saved to be holy, pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to live holy lives into God. Look forward with joy to the coming reign of Jesus, and the abundance and beauty He will bring.

Prayer: Father God, You are all-powerful and al-mighty, high above the Heavens. The thunders and lightning reveal Your great power and strength. May my heart always revere You and be careful to obey You and shun evil. Let Your grace lead me from sin in Jesus name. Praise You, Lord Jesus, for You are my perfect refuge and stronghold. Help me, Holy Spirit, to be holy, to please the Lord. O Lord Jesus, let Your reign come, in all Your perfect glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

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