PRO:The day of the Lord

   Throughout time God has controlled the nations of the earth. When a
nation has become corrupt and unfit for God's plan of the redemption of
mankind, God passes judgement upon that nation.

   The sins were those of cruelity to other nations, perverting
justice, oppressing the helpless, but most serious of all, they turned
away from God to worshipping idols.

   The punishment always fits the sins. Both the sins and the
punishment have been severe. Examples of punishment are: total
destruction, invasion by foreign armies, and going into slavery.

   Because of God's great love and mercy He always sent messengers,
prophets, to warn them of God's coming judgement. They also told of
God's promise of forgiveness and love if they turn back to Him. Other
means were also used by God to warn the people of God's wrath. Examples
were: droughts, locusts plagues, poor harvests, and oppression from
foreign countries.

   The "Day of the Lord" is not a single day, but a time in which the
wrath of God is released upon sinners in a sinful nation. It is first
used in the book of Obadiah in the prophecy against Edom. Edom was
guilty of aiding the enemies of Israel, their brother, when Israel was
attacked. They treated Israel as a stranger, and rejoyced in their
destruction. God's judgement on Edom was total destruction, V.16e, "and
they shall be as though they had not been."

   The "Day of the Lord" could come upon any corrupt nation at any
time, because God is still God and is in control of our world.

   The next known "Day of the Lord" will be during the tribulation
period when the wrath of God will fall upon an evil world.

   During the periods of God's wrath God watches over His people and
protects them through the difficult times. This is first mentioned in
Joel 2:32.
