Savior's Days

Introduction: The terrible invasion pictured in chapter 2 is the impending Day of the Lord where judgment is on full display. The prophet urges the people to sound the alarm, share in their anguish for the pain they will experience and call for a serious assembly of God’s people, led first by the priests. This chapter shows God’s long-suffering mercy.

I. Sound the Alarm (2:1-11)

Certain Prediction (2:1) - “1 Blow the horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the Day of the Lord, is coming; in fact, it is near...”

“The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land select a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows his trumpet to warn the people.” - Ezekiel 33:1-3

Catastrophic Prediction (2:2-11) - “11 The Lord raises His voice in the presence of His army. His camp is very large; Those who carry out His command are powerful. Indeed, the Day of the Lord is terrible and dreadful- who can endure it?”

“1 About the times and the seasons: brothers, you do not need anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (HCSB)

II. Share Anguish (2:12-14)

Call to Repent (2:12-13) - “12 Even now - the Lord's declaration- turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.”

“8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” - James 4:8-10 (HCSB)

Chance of Restoration (2:14) - “14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him, [so you can] offer grain and wine to the Lord your God…”

III. Solemnly Assemble (2:15-17)

Call for the Assembly (2:15) - “15 Blow the horn in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim an assembly...”

“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the Lord's anger.” - Zephaniah 2:3

Contrition in the Assembly (2:16-17) -“16 Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.”