Courage
The book of Joshua picks up the story after Moses had died. Moses was a prophet, representative, a picture, a type of the Law. Moses brought the people to the edge of the promised land, but it would be Joshua whose name is the Old Testament name for Jesus, who would actually bring them into the promised land. In numbers 13:8 we read that Joshua’s name used to be Hoshea meaning “salvation”. Joshua was indeed saved when the Passover lamb’s blood was applied to the door of his family’s house during the first Passover. Having been the firstborn in his house, he would have died otherwise. So his name “salvation” was an appropriate one. Moses then changed his name from Hoshea “salvation” to Joshua “Jehovah is Salvation”, signifying that Jesus alone brings salvation.
What I like best about Joshua is what I get to read about him in the book of Exodus. He always goes with Moses to the tent of meeting to assist him as he was meeting with the Lord. After Moses would depart from the tent, Joshua would stay there sometimes all night (Exodus 33:11). He also was one of the two spies that came back with a good report while the others caused fear in the people. It is obvious that Joshua had a hunger in his heart for the Lord. He had gotten to witness some amazing provisions, and see God’s hand numerous times providing amazing victories. Despite what Joshua had seen with his eyes and experienced by watching Moses, the Lord tells Joshua after Moses had died, “I will not leave you or forsake you” (1:5), “Be strong and courageous” (1:6), “Above all, be strong and very courageous…” (1:7), “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (1:9). You see, Joshua would be stretched. His own journey was going to intensify, and the Lord needed to drive this truth into his head. Entering the promised land was going to require faith. In fact, Joshua immediately begins to lead with faith by saying, “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit’” (Josh.1:11). Oh really Joshua? We are just going to cross this huge, deep river huh? Yep. “That makes no sense, and is impossible,” some would no doubt say. So on the third day, the priests walked right into the water leading the people, and as their sandals plunged into the cold river, the Lord began to part the water for the entire camp to cross (Josh.3:15-17). I love to see Joshua call the people to prepare for something before they know how it will all work out. It takes faith to rise up and walk right up to the edge of the water. Our greater than Joshua, named Jesus, has given us the same charge, “Have courage! It is I. Be not afraid. “Lord if it’s you,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to you on the water.” “Come!” He said” (Matt.14:27-29).
