Joshua to Jesus Chapel

The Bible is one unifying story that leads to Jesus.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The crown jewel of His creation was humans. He made them in His own image to trust Him and to create beauty for human flourishing. Yet, the tragic story unfolds as these humans give away their divine intimacy to be crowned kings and queens of their own world. Choosing what is good and evil for themsleves and not trusting in God’s definition of good and evil. The result of their folly: perversion of what is good enters the world and the result is death.

Yet, there is promise sandwiched in God’s lamentful exile to Adam and Eve. There be someone from the seed of the woman who will crush the head of the snake (aka, death, evil, the Satan, sin, etc.). The question then becomes who is this seed of the woman that will bring us back to intimacy with God, to Eden, to everlasting life?

Two melodies begin to play. Humanity’s cycle of see, desire and take. Which leads to rebellion from God and an invitation to something sinister. And who is this seed to end this cycle?

We have been introduced to characters that show promise but ultimately fall short of bringing end to death and the bringer of life. But they do showcase a carciture of sorts of this seed of the woman.

Someone like Adam who is an image of God creating beauty for human flourshing.

Someone like Noah who is righteous and trusts God through the chaotic waters to bring rest and new creation.

Someone like Abraham that will bring God’s blessing to all nations.

Someone like Joseph who went through the pit to save God’s people.

Someone like Moses who rescues God’s people from slavery, has a intimate relationship with God, even intercedeing on behalf of the peple, and brings God’s instruction.

Do you see it? We are creating a resume list of a help wanted sign. For this seed of the woman that will crush the head of the snake (death, evil, anything against God’s good world).

Next up, Joshua. Joshua was Moses’ right-hand man. After Moses disobeyed God. He was not allowed to go into the promised land. Therefore, someone else must lead God’s people into the land that was promised to Abraham.

What big shoes to fill? Moses, literally, was the guy. Now, it is Joshua. Would the people trust him? Would they believe in him? These questions surround Joshua.

Which leads us into what Yahweh says to him: “Moses is dead. But listen Joshua, you must carry to torch forward. I am giving you everything I promised Moses. Every square inch of the land promised. It is all yours. I will be with you just like I was with Moses. I will not give up on you. I will not leave you. Give all your strength and courage to lead the people into the land. Give everything have. Oh and make sure of this: Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 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.”

Book of instruction.

Meditate. Ponder.

Day.

Night.

So that you can practice everything in it.

Then you will get where you are going and have wisdom.

Do you see this? What is the book of instruction? Teaches God’s ways.

Practice it. Commit to it. It will guide you and give wisdom to where you need to go. And you will find it.

He promises to be with Joshua. Through it all.

Now, how does this connect to Jesus.

Joshua means Yahweh saves in Hebrew.

Translating it to Greek (NT) would translate to Jesus.

So they have the same name… meaning Yahweh saves.

Also, Jesus talks about the importance of understanding the Scriptures.

44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered, from on high.” Lk 24:44–49.

Everything written is about ME!

Therefore as someone who is a disciple, apprentice to Jesus. Meaning wanting to be with Him and be like Him and knowing how to do the things if he were me.

Then the Bible is great place to start.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Ti 3:16–17.