The Mystery of the “Third Day:” Lessons From Joshua and Paul To Help Us This Season

This morning the Lord opened my eyes to a pattern of three days once again. We know that Jesus was raised on the third day, however, the Lord showed me this morning that a similar pattern plays out all throughout the Bible. 

My interest was also piqued because recently I went through a few days where I felt completely wiped out both physically and mentally. I had nothing left in me and I was certain the fatigue was here to stay. No matter how much I prayed and ate well and tried to keep moving -- nothing would break those two days.

Yet, on the third morning I woke up feeling rejuvenated and I sprung back to life! It was so profound that I knew the Lord was showing us something magnificent about the third day. I literally felt a shift in the atmosphere. Something was so profoundly different for me in my spirit on that third day. 

There’s a lesson here for us if you’ll stay with me. 

The Holy Spirit highlighted two specific verses this morning, with one taking place in Joshua and the other in Acts. It made absolutely zero sense to me because these were moments hundreds of years apart. HOWEVER, what a revelation the Lord gave me! They actually happened around the same time of the year: SPRING!!! 

When God places emphasis on something, it’s always wise for us to take notice and after a little research, I learned that: “three days” is mentioned in the Bible 75 times! 

In the Gospels, Jesus speaks about “three days” an astounding 21 times! 

THREE DAYS ALWAYS SIGNALS WHEN THE OLD BECOMES NEW 

On the third day — “the earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit.” (Genesis 1:12)

There is such significance about the third day, that the Lord is showing us here and it all ties back into springtime and the time right around Passover. The third day signals new beginnings and creation springing to life. 

The Bible is full of symbols and we learn that a period of three days is when God divinely intervenes and shifts the old to the new. Sometimes restoration is mentioned “on the third day” and other times “after three days” but both instances point to new covenant and divine renewal. 

“After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.” Hosea 6:2

ON THE THIRD DAY IN JOSHUA

In Joshua, the Lord prepares the new leader of the people to be strong and courageous. He tells him this three times because obviously what he’s about to embark on is terrifying and will change the history of the world. So God tells him three times to be strong and courageous. 

Right after Joshua spends time with the Lord, he must’ve been steady and assured because he immediately tells the people: “Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land your God is giving for your own.” (1:11)

It’s interesting that Joshua doesn’t use the term “we.” He didn’t say: “we will cross the Jordan and take possession.” Instead, he tells the people YOU will enter the Promised Land. This reiterates that our walk and mission with Jesus is just as much an individual promise as one that impacts people as a whole. 

The journey to the Promised Land, whether it’s the children of Israel, or you when you’ve been waiting for God to release you where He’s calling -- can often be a long and arduous process. When you’re called and then finally prepare to cross over, it’s always about the Lord and His people. However, it’s equally a promise and covenant Christ has made with YOU as a person. Joshua reminds us of this in scripture. 

It also follows the third-day creation pattern:

1. God resurrects the people from the bondage of the past, and thrust them into the Promise Land after a length of time through a wilderness season 

2. God creates a new covenant with the people. This is very much as a whole and Bride of Christ, but also on an individual basis. God absolutely cares about His individual children and understands that each one has the power to mightily impact His Kingdom and people across the world. 

3. God once again makes these promises near creation, this time the Jordan River. With Paul, the shipwreck at Malta happens near water. All of this coincides with the third day pointing to creation and new beginnings. Many new promises come forth in spiritual springtime because the earth represents renewal and the land is revived, mirroring our own spiritual journeys.  

PAUL ARRIVES IN ROME

The next verse God pointed out to me was in Acts 28. Paul and Luke were among those in a shipwreck that eventually landed along the shore of Malta. They didn’t recognize where they were because it was on the other side of the port where the natives lived. Later Paul was helping gather firewood and a viper jumped out and grabbed hold of his hand. Let’s just think about what a boss move this was. First Paul lived through a shipwreck, and now he lands on this island and a viper didn’t just snap, it literally FASTENED TO HIS HAND. 

No matter how much we do to serve the Lord, we are never immune to obstacles. God still protected him and after Paul’s arm didn’t swell, the people thought he was a god. That snake incident was the literal thing God actually used to make the people trust the servant of Christ. 

After that, it tells us the chief official of the island had a nice estate and “he welcomed us to his home and showed us his generosity for three days.” After the third day, God commissions Paul (and Luke, who was with him) to heal many people on the island and they become medical missionaries. The word “heal” in this verse doesn’t mean miraculous healing, but more like “medical attention.” Since Luke was a physician, then they likely worked in tandem to meet the needs of others. 

In exchange, the islanders provided Paul and the other 275 people with supplies. 

They stayed there for three months throughout the winter. 

“After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered on the island...We put in at Syracuse and stayed three days.” (28:11-12) 

From there, they set sail and arrived near Rome. 

“When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. “

After that, Paul “witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.” 

Wow. There’s a lot to unpack and unload here and I’m not really sure where the Lord is going with this, but I’m going to write what He teaches me. 

Once again, it follows the third-day creation pattern:

1. After three days of rest and rejuvenation, the Lord puts Paul and Luke to work and they provide medical outreach to the people. This was important on an island that was cut from the world and these people needed the healing touch of Jesus that these men could provide. Their afflictions brought them to the men, but God used that time to allow the men to fellowship and share about Jesus Christ. Once in Rome, after a period of three days, Paul begins witnessing “morning till evening.” The Bible makes it a point to make the days known. We relate and understand Jesus’ resurrection and the three days, but I’m just blown away how the pattern is established and outlined over and over again throughout key stories even after Jesus rose.

2. God re-establishes a covenant with Paul and Luke. Despite the odds and being a prisoner, God will still get the apostle to Rome. Paul is so certain of this that he yields to the process and time of the promise coming forth. Paul and Luke are able to spread the word of Jesus on an island that otherwise might not have been reached for centuries. Then, even though Paul is still a prisoner in Rome, he gets to converse and fellowship with other believers. The Lord got Paul to his “Promised Land” even though he’d ultimately lose his life, he gained it by passionately sharing Christ. God will get the gospel to the ends of the earth no matter what it takes. 

3. God once again makes these promises near creation, this time near water and on an island in Malta and the port when headed to Rome.

WHAT DO JOSHUA AND PAUL HAVE IN COMMON?

• In both Joshua and Paul, after three days they suddenly have a holy confidence to take over new territory. Joshua was clearly afraid when thrust into leadership, which is why the Lord repeated three times for him not to be afraid and be courageous. Paul was likely afraid to be shipwrecked, but the Lord ultimately had him lead the people and provide healing in a time of uncertainty for the apostle.

• Then the breakthrough moment arrives and Joshua is steady and assured and shows no fear with the people. He gives them three days to gather their things and prepare to take over the land. The Lord must’ve given him some kind of knowledge that three days were important.

• With Paul in Acts, his goal was to make it to Rome. He longed to visit this largest and most influential city in the world at the time, and even though he was a prisoner, he still made it. The Lord gave him this promise. However, once thwarted and shipwrecked, he didn’t wallow in disappointment. Instead, he still served and worshiped in small ways. In fact, after three days there, God thrust Paul out to change the lives of people. 

• Joshua and Paul were both extraordinary leaders who learned to show courage despite the odds they faced. They stepped out with boldness and assuredness that Jesus would still fulfill the promise no matter what stood in their way. They also understood the secret and importance of three days and it’s a lesson for us even for today.

• Both Paul and Joshua had very profound moments that very few of us will ever experience in our lifetimes. Joshua got to lead the people into the Promise Land after waiting 40 long years. Paul got to meet the very people he prayed for long and hard for many years. When Paul finally reaches Rome, he was greeted by Christians who had walked 43 miles to greet him. At this moment, he realized his letter to the Romans from years before had actually reached them. This shows us that Jesus had already reached Rome and some likely had been there on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. What a profound moment this must’ve been for Paul and he realized God had really gone before them and already reached the nations before their arrival. Sometimes we feel like we’re doing everything alone, but then the Lord shows up and reminds us there are more just like us. My heart is so happy when I think about the look on Paul’s face when he gets to hear how much the Gospel is spreading in Rome!

• Although we’ll never do something on the same scale, we can all reflect back and remember a time that our Savior stepped in and changed the trajectory of our life and brought forth something He spoke and promised. We won’t ever forget that moment in our entire life. One of the coolest parts is we can look back and realize He was directed our lives all along. Even when it doesn’t make sense with our own human wisdom.

• Paul wanted to make it to Rome because the Lord himself showed up to Paul and said he would live to proclaim the Gospel in Rome. This is why I think Paul had so much confidence even with the shipwreck and snake bites and all. He knew what the Lord told him would come true.

The Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)

• Paul had already survived three shipwrecks. He had prophetic insight from the Holy Spirit and told the experienced sailors not to sail in the winter time, but they did it anyway. During those two weeks of pure agony, Paul — the very person who was a prisoner — ministered, comforted and loved the people on board. He knew what God told Him about Rome and the rest was just a detour. What a powerful reminder for us. When the Lord gives a promise — He will not lie because He cannot lie. Therefore, there might be a few detours along the way, but hold steady with assurance and faith. God will get you there. Your Promise Land will come.

• Both Joshua and Paul had to wait their time for leadership, but they understood all along it was really Jesus Christ doing all the work. They had to just be in place and ready for when the appointed time arrived. Your moment is coming, too.
  
  MEANING OF THREE DAYS IN THE BIBLE

• It shows a pattern of the resurrection of life. It’s the point where the past molds into the present. 

• On the third day in Genesis, God created the seeds and vegetation of the land. 

• This is the moment that a chaotic world is suddenly a source of hope and the promise of new life. The same way the Holy Spirit hovers the earth, His presence in our life is also transformative and renews us. God first commanded the seeds and vegetation before the people to give us an example to understand the cycle and transformation of life.

• It teaches us to understand the times and seasons and how God has commanded everything to work in order and He shows us beauty and gives us provision. This is why when the Holy Spirit comes into your life, you’ll often take more notice of the natural things around you. The cycle of life is in everything and Jesus loves to speak through nature because He formed it before He ever formed us. He’s so majestic and powerful that His touch and thumbprint is literally on everything. He’s even so precise that He outlines the days and numbers for us to understand how He operates and works on cycles. 

• Remember: God created us to have a relationship with Him and we can often fellowship the most when we recognize and acknowledge His creation all around. 

KEY DATES: THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR “CROSS-OVER” DATE 

• In Joshua, it says in Chapter 4 that Joshua prepared the people to cross over the Jordan “on the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.” (Joshua 4:19) 

So, the date of the crossing was the tenth day of the first month, which was originally called Abib and we now call Nisan. This date is so significant because it’s the same time of the exodus 40 years ago! The Lord truly is in the details. 

What an extraordinary lesson for us here! Think back to your “exodus” moment in your own life. This is a time where you boldly stepped away from everything you knew -- to become everything God wanted you to be. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty and the journey has likely been very long.

However, one day you’ll be on your last leg with just one last barrier to go. And don’t be surprised if your Promise Land  “lands” near the exact time as your exodus did from a prior season.

The 10th day of the first month is Nisan -- which this year falls on April 11, 2022. This is four days before Passover in 2022. 

One thing that’s really interesting in the Bible is the process of actually crossing over in Joshua spans two chapters and 41 verses -- compared to just a few paragraphs of actually conquering Jericho. 

This tells us that the period leading up to your “Promise Land” is very important and when you sense this is that season, make sure to spend extra time with the Lord and also write down everything you learn. Someday you might be teaching people about the very lessons God taught you along the way.

The actual conquest of your new land is important, but the lesson and importance for people will really fall in that time period before the promise comes forth.

The Lord told the people to gather 12 stones as a memorial for all that happened and to honor God for seeing them through. 

It’s wise in our own lives to keep diaries, journals and pictures to outline and remember all the times the Lord intervened and fulfilled His promise. This is a testament to you, as well as the generations that come after you. I started journaling after my “exodus” five years ago. I didn’t even open the Bible until 4-5 years ago, and ever since then, the Lord has given me this great hunger to search out His mysteries. Do not despise small beginnings. I often pull out those journals from the early days and I’m just in awe of how much God has done over the years. We think our memories will sustain us, but sometimes we forget the little moments. I love sitting at the feet of Jesus and going back to read special moments we had or church sermon notes where He downloaded something new and spectacular. 

PAUL LEFT MALTA IN THE SPRINGTIME 

The Feast of Paul's Shipwreck takes place each year on February 10 in Malta and it’s a public holiday. We know that Paul stayed for three months, so this means he set sail for Rome around May 10, which is the period after Passover and leading to Pentecost (June 5). 

Once again, we see the number 10. The 10th day of the month in Nisan for Joshua, February 10 for when Paul is believed to crash ashore in Malta. There are three perfect numbers that represent perfect order in the Bible: 3, 7, and 10. Pay attention to these patterns in your own life.

Paul was technically a Roman prisoner when the shipwreck happened, but this story is special, just like in Joshua, because we see that God can use pain and suffering to bring about His redemptive plan. The shipwreck at Malta ultimately brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to a new place. Over 2,000 years later, it’s considered one of the most Catholic nations in the world with over 90 percent of people identifying with Christianity. 

On that note, it’s important to remember that Christians aren’t just protestants. Catholics were some of the very first Christians to follow Christ. I’m a non-denominational follower of Jesus, but I often hear people put Catholics in a different category. They were absolutely some of the first Christians. 

Back in Paul’s days, the Lord arranged for his precious evangelists to endure a terrible storm that sailors fought for two weeks (Acts 27:14–20), they were weary and exhausted and then the ship broke apart. So everyone has to swim ashore, after they consider whether to kill the prisoners first. They end up in Malta and as Paul later writes: “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

What a beautiful reminder that before “crossing over” to our new land, we should always reflect back and remember how God delivered us even though we sometimes endure periods of suffering. 

The same thing happened for Jesus who was brutally beat and murdered for our transgressions, but ultimately rose again three days later to create new order and new covenant for all of us. Sometimes it's even important to get away from the crowds and take a trip with Jesus to sit at His feet for a three-day period. The same goes for fasting during periods or fasting from technology or other things that pull our attention. There is such power in three days and we can look to the Bible to understand how much transformation can take place and revival to our hearts when we surrender everything to God for a few days. 

I love the way the Derek Hiebert from the Bible Project explains it: 

On the third day, Jesus’ resurrection is made all the more paramount. It is the climactic day of God’s project of new life and covenant, beautifully pictured since creation, the finale of which will result in the future resurrection of Jesus’ followers, and the restoration of the whole universe.

Nothing is ever wasted with Jesus when we surrender everything to Him. He catches every tear, He sees every tragedy and heartache and nothing goes to waste. He is our Savior and the One who loves us more than we can ever think or imagine.

Joshua and Paul teach us this.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12