In the valley of decision

Dear friend

Not too much is known about the Prophet Joel. There is even uncertainty about when he lived. But he is quoted by Peter, Moroni and is likely a reference point in Revelations. His writing coincides with a time of severe drought in the land.

Joel's main theme is the era of the last days prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a time when there will be a "drought of joy" among mankind, but also a great outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. These conditions mean that in terms of the battle for the souls of men "the harvest is ripe"; while the Lord sits to plead and to judge. These are our days being described in ancient scripture.

Joel refers to a place, the valley of Jehoshaphat, as the site of a massive international gathering. Then he gives the valley an alternative, characterised name that is worth considering. It comes from the Old Testament, Joel 3:14.

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

What a great image. The peoples of the wicked world are brought together in the "valley of decision". The thought can easily be extended. The people of the world must decide where they stand; on the right or the left, on the Lord's side or somewhere else.

It always, always comes down to a decision. Do we choose the right, or another way? Do we allow Jesus Christ to be our Guide, or do we follow another course. These choices are so significant. They set the direction for our lives.

In our day the Prophet Thomas S Monson has said, "decisions determine destiny". How concise yet precise is this doctrine. There is always that critical moment of choice. There is always an unavoidable consequence. We surely need inspired men on earth now to guide us in our decisions so that they bring us to Christ.

I hope that in our own valleys of decision we will make the right choices. I pray that our preferred choice of destiny will, in reverse, determine our decisions.

Samuel.