Be Strong and Courageous

A Savior:

As we consider Joshua as a type of Christ, we must understand that Joshua is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as Joshua led the Israelites into physical rest (the Promised Land), Jesus leads His people into spiritual rest (salvation). Hebrews 4:4–9 states:

“[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. [5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. [6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: [7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. [8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. [9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

The seventh day of the week in the Old Testament is considered a day of rest. Genesis 2:2 states:

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

The fundamental meaning of “rest” in both passages is derived from the Greek word katapausis, meaning a resting or a place of rest. Metaphorically, it refers to the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and which He has promised to give to persevering believers in Christ after the toils and trials of life on earth have ended.

These scriptures let us know that there was a future rest based upon Jesus Christ, which Old Testament events, particularly Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land was foreshadowed. This rest is found in the salvation of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus gives us rest from our sins, as He has redeemed us from our sins.

The Promised Land:

Joshua led the Israelites into the land that was promised to them through the covenant given to Abraham. Many years later, God fulfilled this promise. Likewise, God will fulfill the promise Jesus made to His followers.

John 14:1–3 states:

“[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

This scripture records Jesus’ commitment to His disciples that He is preparing a place for them. He will return, and His prepared followers will be with Him in heaven. This is our Promised Land and our place of rest. We are simply passing through on our way to heaven.

Ultimately, the Promised Land is seen as a symbol. For Christians, it is not just a place but represents:

• Eternal life

• The Kingdom of God

• Abundant life in Christ now

John 10:10–11 states:

“[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

Courage and Obedience:

Joshua’s success was tied to his faith and obedience to God’s Word. At the end of his mission leading the Israelites, we see that he remained fully committed, placing his trust in God and obeying Him completely.

Joshua 23:2–3 states:

“[2] And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: [3] And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you.”

Similarly, Christians are called to walk by faith and remain in the Word. We must walk by faith as Joshua walked by faith.

James 1:22 (KJV) states:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Ultimately, Joshua’s courage came as a result of his faith. Our courage must also be the result of our faith in God.

Child of God, be strong and courageous!