The Daily Word of Righteousness

We Christians Do Not Understand the Gospel!, #16

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (Joel 2:2)

Some of the characteristics of the trained warrior are mentioned in the second chapter of the Book of Joel.

They defeat the enemy thoroughly, not like unfaithful Israel in the land of Canaan.

. . . yea, and nothing shall escape them. (Joel 2:3)

They move swiftly. They are not "fools, and slow of heart to believe" (Luke 24:25).

. . . and as horsemen, so shall they run. (Joel 2:4)

They are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

. . . as a strong people... (Joel 2:5)

They are organized for battle. They understand their land of promise can be conquered only as they are willing to fight.

. . . set in battle array. (Joel 2:5)

There is a holy sternness on their countenance that terrifies their enemies.

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. (Joel 2:6)

They have grown in the Lord and have learned from Him to run the race of righteousness and obedience to God.

They shall run like mighty men; . . . . (Joel 2:7)

They have learned to pray their way around, over, and through obstacles.

. . . they shall climb the wall like men of war; . . . . (Joel 2:7)

They do not rush about willfully, following their own ideas and enthusiasms. They have died to self-will and follow the Father in stern obedience.

. . . they shall march every one on his ways, . . . . (Joel 2:7)

They remain at their post until the Lord moves them. They are absolutely dependable. The rest of the army can be sure they are holding fast to what has been entrusted to them.

. . . they shall not break their ranks: (Joel 2:7)

Gossip and slander, brother against brother and sister against sister, are among the most effective weapons in Satan's arsenal. Even though the Scripture (Romans 1:28,29) teaches us that those who engage in such behavior are worthy of death, Christian believers continue to destroy one another with gossip and slander. No individual can hold his place in the army of the Lord unless he is willing to be delivered completely from gossip and slander.

Neither shall one thrust another; . . . . (Joel 2:8)

We have to present our body a living sacrifice in order to prove the will of God for ourselves. Each member of Christ's army is led by the Spirit of God and continues at all times in the perfect will of God. When he stumbles he rises again and seeks the will of the Lord unceasingly.

. . . they shall walk every one in his path: . . . . (Joel 2:8)

To be continued.