And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host . . . | ||
| Joshua 3:1-2 | ||
| Here, Joshua arises early in the day just as our Greater-than-Joshua did (Mark 1:35). Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would rise morning by morning that He might hear from the Father concerning what He was to do, what He was to say, where He was to go (Isaiah 50:4). Following three days of preparation, it was time for the people of Israel to move off the banks of the Jordan and into the Land of Promise. So too, time spent in preparation for the baptism of the Holy Spirit - of which the crossing of the Jordan speaks - is time well spent. Of the believers worshipping the Lord and speaking in tongues, some said, “Those guys must be drunk.” “They’re not drunk,” Peter answered. “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Peter then quoted Joel who said, “In the last days, I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and daughters shall prophesy. Your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:15-17 and Joel 2:28). It’s not a waste of time to wait for three days, three months, or even three years on the bank of the Jordan if, like Peter, you can say, “I’m not simply caught up in an emotion or seeking an experience, but I understand the Biblical foundation and base for the direction into which I’m moving. Pastor Jon Courson | ||
