We heard the words of Joel 3:18 about the LORD’s abundant blessings to His people. These blessings are full deliverance and restoration for the people of God. As we read earlier in Joel 2:21-27, the LORD will restore, and His people will be satisfied and know that the LORD is their God and none else. But the Day of the LORD also includes execution of judgment. We read, “Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.” What a contrast between the future of God’s people and the future of Egypt and Edom, the two ancient archenemies of Israel. We remember how Egypt served as the house of bondage for God’s people. In later times they invaded and plundered Israel. King Josiah died at the hand of Egypt’s Pharaoh. Edom did not allow the people of Israel to travel through their territory after the Exodus. In later times they attacked Judah. But the LORD will justly repay for their cruel deeds. They will become a wasteland and a desolate wilderness. This is the fate for all the enemies of God and His people if there is no repentance. The LORD is a God of justice! He will not and cannot turn a blind eye to sin and evil. What a contrast to the future of Judah. We read, “But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.” The LORD dwells continually with Judah, His people. He will dwell in Jerusalem forever. We hear about that city in Ezekiel 48:35, “and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” We read about that city at the end of the book of Revelation. The LORD will never leave His people and be with them forever. And God will cleanse His people from all their defilements. He will wash them from all their filthiness. He will blot out their sins. So, what is the conclusion? “The LORD dwells in Zion.” They deserved no kindness from the LORD. And yet, the LORD showed them mercy. He gave His Son, He poured out His Spirit. A glorious future is waiting for His people. And above all, the LORD will forever be with His people.