Peter Responds, Part 2
Acts 2:19-21.
“And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:
the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
And it shall come to pass that everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord
shall be saved.”
Dear Friends of God,
Even though some of the prophecies of Joel related to events other than that day, Peter quoted the whole section. This was indicative of the fact that the countdown to the Day of the Lord had begun, a phrase that refers to the end times, beginning at Pentecost.
Signs (v. 19).
There will be cataclysmic signs both in heaven and on earth. The mention of blood is a pointer to much death. The signs will also cause much disaster and death. Fire speaks of much destruction and suffering. Vapour and smoke are usually a sign of judgment, especially when accompanied by fire.
Sky (v. 20).
Some of the signs will involve the disastrous effect that the sun and the moon will go through. Something, maybe volcanic dust or some other form of cloudiness will block the sun so that there will be darkness on earth. The moon’s light too will be shielded so that the moon will look like blood. It will be a terrible experience for the world.
Salvation (v. 21).
In the midst of all the scary happenings of the last days, God is ready to save all who call upon him. The point of quoting this last part is also to point Peter’s audience to the looming disaster threatening them but to offer the option of salvation to those who are willing to call on the name of the Lord. Destruction is coming, but there is hope for those who will seek help where it can be found – from the Lord himself. What are you basing the security of your future on?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.