Here, we see the beginnings of a beautiful fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites: the Promised Land. A long, exhausting, and challenging journey for God’s chosen people is finally concluding with entering their prize granted to them by the very hands of God. And it is Joshua who is the one to lead the Israelites into this Promised Land, the land that God provided to them as a “place of rest” [v. 13].
But here we are in 2022, Gentiles grafted in, walking an eerily similar long, exhausting, and challenging journey towards the prize granted to us by the very hands of God, as well. Only, we are led by the greater Joshua–Yeshua, Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ–into a promised eternal place of rest, not built by man’s hands. May we, too, long, yearn, adorn, and prepare for the beautiful fulfillment of God’s promise to us: A Place Called Home.
[Joshua 1.10-18]
1.10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”
12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
16 And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What does it mean that Joshua and Jesus literally share the same name? [meaning, ‘the Lord is Salvation’] How do I read all of today’s Scripture differently? What about v. 13 in particular?
+ Being on a journey to the Promised Land like the Israelites, read Hebrews 3.1-4.16, with emphasis on 4.8-11.
+ Knowing Jesus is the greater Joshua, how do vv. 16-18 in today’s passage resonate?
+ If we are to be led by Jesus into the Promised Land, this means He must be alive and active. Think about that and the effects it has on us, the Church, journeying along to that prize.
+ Take time to reflect on the books of the Bible previous to Joshua. Specifically, Exodus and Numbers.
+ And so as we take on this new series through Joshua (equating to the name ‘Jesus’), let us behold the beauty of the Old Testament–not for it to be forgotten, or disregarded as old, but as a pointer to something (or someone) greater.
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How would my everyday life look if I were to truly believe in my heart that I am being led by the greater Joshua, Yeshua, from slavery into the Promised Land?
+ Do vv. 16-18 spur something on within me?
+ Do I find hope and joy from this amidst the journey from Eden to New Jerusalem? Jesus is alive an active! Jesus is leading the way! Jesus is with you and for you!
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Is someone in my life needing to be reminded or taught that we are on this journey from Eden to New Jerusalem, with a promise of eternal rest? As we put our hope and trust in Jesus/Joshua/Yeshua?