WATER TO THE KNEE

Bob Jones and Keith Davis

On July 6, 1999 Bob received a revelation from the Lord concerning a Texas politician, a portion of which we have already released. However, there were aspects of this vision that we did not initially include until we had a more thorough understanding of its application. With the Lord’s help, we have now gained greater insight into the meaning of those aspects of the vision and its corporate application. We trust it will be a blessing to you as the Lord leads us into greater comprehension of the times and seasons in which we are living. That is especially true as we strive to positionally place ourselves before the Lord to be used by Him in the most fruitful manner, according to the directives of the Holy Spirit.

In the vision Bob saw a stream of water that initially appeared to be ankle deep. However, within a seemingly short period of time the water increased from ankle to knee deep. This time frame seemed to coincide with the election of our countries new President. The increase in water clearly had a dual effect on the people of this nation. For those “in the world” it was a time of advancing hardship and judgment. Those walking faithfully and obediently with Christ discovered a time of tremendous increase and favor.

In reality, it reflects a release of “Divine Justice” manifesting both the kindness and severity of God. Justice will always rule in favor of the righteous and render discipline on unrighteousness. The admonition to the Church is, “Therefore Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) The church must be separated from the world as Israel was separated from Egypt in the land of Goshen. To the extent that we remain interwoven with the world and its systems, so also will the coming judgement/discipline effect the church.

The increase in the flow of the water created great hardship on those that were not properly rooted and grounded in love, faith, and the Word of God (Truth). The faithful that have prepared themselves according to the directives of the Spirit found this season to be a tremendous increase in the promise and blessings of God.

The vision initially began with the stream at ankle level. This imagery denotes the season in which we are now entering. Even this flow of the Spirit is a welcome refreshing because of the barren and dry season many within the body of Christ have been experiencing. However, according to this revelation, the water will immanently increase from ankle depth to the knee by the inauguration of the new President. We must be prepared for this release.

Clearly, the stream is expressing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the Earth. In Ezekiel 47, we discover the prophet interactive in a vision as the Lord instructs him concerning the restoration of Israel and release of the Spirit for his people. The same application of this vision also applies to the church.

And he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by way of {the gate} that faces east. And behold, water was trickling from the south side. When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water {reaching} the ankles. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water {reaching} the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through {the water,} water {reaching} the loins. Again he measured a thousand; {and it was} a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, {enough} water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. (Ezekiel 47:2-5)

In Genesis 2 the Lord gives a beautiful picture of His Holy Spirit flowing as One Spirit, yet branching into four streams each denoting a greater measure of depth and flow. Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. And the name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. And the name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. (Genesis 2:10-14)

According to Biblical dictionaries the names of these four rivers shows an incremental increase corresponding with the Ezekiel 47 vision. This beautiful parallel illustrates the great love of the Father guiding us into the depths of His Spirit as we are able to grow and mature into the Fullness of Christ and the unfathomable riches of the Kingdom.

Pishon— Flowing Stream

Havilah— Bursting Forth; Free Flowing

Tigris— Rapid Flowing

Euphrates— Rushing Forth; Waters in Abundance

Bob observed in the experience the great difficulty and hardship for those unprepared for this release. On the other hand, he noticed that he was able to literally move about on the surface of the water, not unlike Peter when he stepped out of the boat. As many teachers have pointed out, Peter did not walk on the water but on the Lord’s Word. We must be established on the same foundation.

Bob also noticed that he was riding on the surface of the water on a bicycle. This symbolism illustrates that he was not to travel at a great rate of speed but cover the ground very thoroughly. When a person is on a bicycle their vision is totally un-impaired. This seemed to be the important point that the Lord desired to emphasize. Let us not be in a great hurry to cover a large amount of territory in a short season causing oversight in many of the important qualities of the journey. Rather, move steadily and thoroughly through these seasons gaining all the insight and maturity allowed by the Spirit so that we will be prepared for the greater depths of the River when He increases to the loins.

Two predominant attributes will prepare us for the progressive release of the Spirit as illustrated in Ezekiel 47. The first is our faithfulness in the Ministry of His Spirit imparted to us. When we demonstrate faithfulness in the small things, we will be promoted to even greater measures in the Spirit. We must not despise the day of small beginnings; rather embrace every opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness. The apostle Paul described himself as a steward of the mysteries of the Kingdom and as such a steward must be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) This principle is perfectly illustrated in the parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-23) To the servants who faithfully utilized the talents entrusted to them, even more was given to them. What greater words could the Lord speak to us in this generation than, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.”

The second quality essential for growth and maturity in the things of God is humility. Great grace in required to flow in the depths of God; He gives His grace to the Humble. As Peter admonishes, we must be clothed in the garment of humility. (1 Peter 5:5). The expression in this passage uniquely describes someone that has been cloaked in a garment or apron securely fastened with ropes or strings. It directs us to be clothed in a spirit of humility so that the Lord’s glory would be shared with no flesh. As a beloved brother often shares, “ be just as small as you can be and the Lord will be just as big as He can be.”

Apart from the garment of humility, pride would be the sure result. The anointing and pride cannot coexist. One of the saddest scriptures in the Bible, ” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.” If we want to know what it is like to have the anointing and lose it, all we need do is ask Sampson and he will tell us with tears. We must guard through the Holy Spirit the great Treasurer that has been entrusted to us. A secure foundation in the Word of God and the garment of humility imparted through great grace, will equip the Church to flow in the River of the Spirit and mature in the stature of Christ moving us into greater depths.

A person can flow in the gifts of the Spirit and never enter in to the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 7:21-23) However, a person bearing the fruit of the Spirit cannot miss Heaven because the fruit of the Spirit are an outward expression of an abiding Presence. It is Godly character that allows us to progress and flow into the deeper realms of the God until we swim in the River of the Holy Spirit with His abiding anointing. Along the banks of this river all manner of trees bearing fruit in their season flourish. Life then begins to overtake death and darkness is overwhelmed with light.