Joshua

Joshua’s name is actually the same name as Jesus: “Yehoshua,” or “Yeshua” for short, means “The LORD saves.”

Jesus’ name is the Greek form of the name Yeshua. Like Joshua, Jesus led his people into salvation, yet in a greater sense of eternal life.

Joshua was God’s prophetic leader who stepped into Moses’ shoes.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.Joshua 1:1-3

Jesus fulfilled Moses’ prophecy of a coming Jewish prophet.

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.Acts 3:22-23

Joshua led Israel after the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant.

Jesus would establish a New Covenant greater than the Mosaic Covenant.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.Hebrews 8:6

Joshua led an army to pull down earthly strongholds.

Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.Joshua 6:1-2

Jesus’ army pulls down spiritual strongholds.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Joshua’s army was arrayed in earthly armor.

And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.Joshua 6:9

Jesus’ army is arrayed in spiritual armor.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Ephesians 6:10-12

Joshua described himself as God’s servant.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.Joshua 24:15

Jesus described himself as a servant.

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.Luke 22:27

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:Philippians 2:7

Joshua led God’s people to rest in the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness.

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.Joshua 21:44

Jesus’ followers are led into rest in His new creation.

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. 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.John 14:2-3

God will always send someone to lead His people until Jesus Himself leads us.

God uses us until we have fulfilled our purpose and then He works in other ways and other people.

God is weaving a story throughout eternity. It isn’t our story, it’s His.