“Multitude, multitudes, in the valley of decision!” (v 14). This scene from Joel 3 has often been used by evangelists to portray people considering their own response to the gospel. “You stand in the valley of decision tonight, and you need to decide for Jesus Christ!” But this is not the kind of decision Joel is thinking of. This is not the decision of an evangelistic meeting; it’s the decision of a court. The one making the decision is not the one who has rejected Christ, but the Christ who has been rejected. This is God’s decision, a decision that will determine people’s eternal destiny. So what will be the divine verdict in your case? Jesus borrowed language from Joel as He warned people to get ready for His second coming (Matthew 24:29; Joel 2:31; 3:15). In that same sermon, He told three parables to describe the separation that will occur when He suddenly appears to dispense final rewards and punishment (Matthew 25). Like a subpoena, the LORD will summon all the nations to the Valley of Jehoshaphat to answer for their offenses. “Jehoshaphat” means “the LORD judges.” “I will enter into judgment with them there,” God says, introducing the legal aspect of this event. Then the charges are listed. All God’s enemies are held to account for scattering His people, dividing their land, and selling them into slavery. Taking the role of the plaintiff, the LORD Himself presents the opening arguments in a series of rhetorical questions. In essence, He asks, “Is there any injustice which I have done to you that you should treat My people this way?” The answer is obvious. On the contrary, they are the ones who deserve retribution, and it will come swiftly (v 1-8). Ironically, God challenges the nations to turn their plows into swords and their pruning hooks into spears (a reversal of the promises God makes in Isaiah 2:4 concerning a future Golden Age). Of course, it is futile to form weapons to do battle with God. No one can do this successfully. Yet many try. They regard God as an adversary and believe they are answerable to no one. But Judgment Day is coming. Joel pictures it as a great harvest in which God will reap the wicked with His sickle and trample them in His wrath (v 9-15). Others will be safe when Christ appears—not because they are guiltless, but because they have trusted in His cross as their “refuge.” Unprecedented blessings flow from the presence of the LORD, as He “dwells in Zion,” with a righteous rule that brings joy and security to His people forever (v 16-21). For further meditation: