“Blessings of the Messiah”

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine, The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the LORD And water the Valley of Acacias. (Joel 3:18)

The thoughts here seem to be connected with the more familiar prophecy found in chapter 2 verses 28 through 32.   If this is true, then the figurative language here offers a beautiful image of the Messianic era.

In Homer Hailey’s “A Commentary on the Minor Prophets”, page 60; he says, “the context describes spiritual Zion in the days of the Spirit.  So the figure of the mountains dripping sweet wine, the hills flowing with milk, and brooks flowing with water is a pictorial description of the spiritual plenty in the days of the Spirit.”  Here Joel provides a three-fold description of spiritual Zion.

First, Joel foretells of the rich spiritual blessings of Christ. (vs. 18) Those who partake of the “wine” and overflowing “brooks” are “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) and in them is “all the fullness of God”.  (Ephesians 3:19)  Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)  These gifts from God occasion joy and gladness to those who receive them.

Next, the prophet foretells of the imperishability of the Messianic kingdom. (vs. 19,20)  In Old Testament times nations constantly threatened Israel and Judah.  However, when one accepts Jesus as their king, they become citizens of a kingdom that cannot be moved. (Hebrews 12:28) The Lord provides everything essential for its nourishment and protection.  One day the great Deliverer shall put an end to all rule and all authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:24), and God’s people will forever sing a victory song.

Finally, Joel prophesies of its purity. (vs. 21)  As long as man is defiled by sin, he is an offense to God, but God promises to acquit the sinner.  Through the atonement of Christ, the people of God can be cleansed from all sin.

In wonderful poetic language, Joel predicts a reign of peace, plenty, and prosperity.  Dear reader, we don’t have to wait for it.  If you wish to make Jesus your king, you can enjoy Him now and forever!

By George Slover, Jr.
 

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