Day 359: Zephaniah 1-2; Revelation 15

The 'great day of the LORD is near' (Zephaniah 1:14). The 'day of the Lord' is a phrase that is used throughout the Bible speaking of judgment, where the wicked are punished and the righteous (by grace) are rewarded. The great day is the final judgment. Today is Christmas Eve. What a day to ponder judgment. Yet, if you think about it, Christ's very entrance into this world is an act of judgment. He came to save us from our sin and His coming was the only way we could be saved...nothing else had worked. Yes, He came to save us and 'the great day of the Lord' is a reminder that there will be an end to that opportunity. Judgment will come! Hence, the urgency in Paul's plea to the Corinthians: Don't delay decision! Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2). For that very reason, today is the perfect day to ponder the 'day of the Lord.' It is a day when God's love is quite clearly extended in mercy and grace that we may embrace hope, encounter peace, and be filled with joy. Come, this is the day the Lord has made! Embracing Him wholly, let us rejoice and be glad in Him!