Preface
The prophecies of the “Day of the Lord” appear several times throughout the Bible, primarily in the Old Covenant prophetic books and in the New Covenant. It refers to a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history, bringing judgment upon the wicked and establishing His kingdom.
Depending on what source you use, there are thirty-five to one hundred Scriptures that communicate various aspects of the coming of the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is often depicted as a time of judgment; a time of restoration and salvation for God’s people.
In addition, the Day of the Lord is portrayed as imminent, a day that could come suddenly and unexpectedly. While the Day of the Lord may have immediate historical fulfillments, it is also often associated with the cumulation of eschatological events associated with the final actions of God’s ultimate salvation for creation and His creatures.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1
Major Differences between Believers and Non-believers
The attitudes toward the Day of the Lord can vary significantly between non-believers and believers in the context of their respective spiritual or philosophical perspectives:
- Non-Believers:
- Skepticism or Disbelief: Non-believers may view the concept of the Day of the Lord as a religious belief or prophecy without any factual basis. They may regard it as a mythological or symbolic idea rather than a literal event.
- Secular Interpretation: Some non-believers might interpret the idea of the Day of the Lord in a secular or metaphorical sense, seeing it as a reflection of human hopes and fears rather than divine intervention.
- Emphasis on Human Agency: Non-believers often focus on the role of human agency in shaping the course of history and addressing social, political, and environmental challenges, rather than expecting divine intervention.
- Believers:
- Faith and Expectation: Believers, depending on their spiritual and Biblical tradition, generally view the Day of the Lord with faith and expectation. They believe in the fulfillment of biblical prophecies or spiritual teachings regarding the ultimate judgment and redemption by God.
- Hope and Preparation: Faithful Believers approach the Day of the Lord with hope, seeing it as a culmination of God’s plan for humanity and creation. They emphasize the importance of spiritual preparation, repentance, and righteous living in anticipation of this event.
- Trust in Divine Justice: Believers will find comfort in the idea of divine justice being executed on the Day of the Lord, especially in the face of suffering, oppression, and injustice in the world.
- Biblical Discipleship: As the Messiah commanded His disciples before His departure, to go out and make other disciples believers, how great is this plea as we are nearing the imminent return of the Lord?
“I Am Not Going to Study War No More!”
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. Matthew 24:6-7
From the very mouth of Messiah, while sitting on the Mount of Olives [the very place where He will return, Zechariah 14:4], Jesus reveals some of the signs of His second coming, and the end of this Age to His disciples in the above text. He encourages them to not be frightened when hearing of wars, for they are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
The prophets Isaiah and Micah reveal the coming glory of the future Kingdom in Isaiah 2:1-4, and Micah 4:1-5 respectively. In both of these descriptions of the Millennial Kingdom and the fullness of God’s government, both prophets note that nations will cease lifting weapons against nations, and never again will they train for war.
The phrase “I Am Not Going to Study War No More” is a variation of a line from the African American spiritual song “Down by the Riverside.” The original line is “I ain’t gonna study war no more.” The song emerged during the 19th century and gained prominence during the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century.
The meaning of this phrase is a declaration of a commitment to peace and nonviolence. It expresses a desire to turn away from conflict, violence, and war, and instead focus on promoting harmony, justice, and reconciliation. It reflects a sentiment of hope for a future free from the scourge of war and the suffering it brings.
Isaiah 2:3-5
Now it will come about that In the Last Days…,
That He may teach us concerning His ways, walking in His paths.
And never again will they learn war.
Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Brief Overview and Practical Interpretation
God will decide what’s fair among nations and settle disputes among all sorts of people. Meanwhile, they will hammer their swords into sickles, and reshape their spears into pruning hooks. One nation will not attack another and they will not practice war anymore.
Isaiah sees an amazing picture of the future, a future that only God can create. On that day, all the nations of the world will stream to the holy city and seek God’s guidance and instruction.
God will sit as King and Judge, dispensing real justice—not some man-made counterfeit—not only in international but also in local matters.
Perhaps, most amazingly for a world weary of war, this will be a time when war is a thing of the past and its lethal instruments are turned into tools for life and peace.
While Isaiah 2:3-5 does not specifically mention the Day of the Lord, this powerful Scripture speaks of a future time when the nations will seek God’s guidance and justice.
This prophecy portrays a vision of peace and reconciliation among the nations, symbolized by the transformation of weapons of war into tools for agriculture. This vision aligns with the broader themes associated with the Day of the Lord, such as the establishment of God’s kingdom and the cessation of conflict.
“The day of the Lord will be great and dreadful.” – Malachi 4:5
Closing Thoughts
Preparing for the Second Coming
The predictions of future events are revealed in about one-quarter of the Holy Scriptures. The teaching of the Second Coming of Messiah is within some 1,800 passages in the Scriptures, with the variation of the Day of the Lord and the Second Coming.
Within the Apostolic Writings, there are over 318 passages of Messiah’s Second Coming. This recurring theme of Scripture concerning the return of the Lord is to be always ready. Below are very basic yet wise ways for the faithful followers to prepare to receive our Beloved Messiah!
- Live in the spiritual light of His first advent
- Be forever discerning
- Accept this life’s uncertainties
- Remain faithful, never losing hope
- Build up and encourage those within the Body of Christ
- Remain diligent in your calling and commissioning
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo
