Joshua, a Type of Christ,

In many points and with a close similarity of outline is Joshua a type of Christ. He is one of the prominent Old Testament figures, one of the spies sent to view Canaan, the successor to Moses, and a man of God. He was indeed a Savior of His people, a man who "put on the whole armor of God."

Joshua typified Christ in name. He was called at first Oshea or Hoshea, which is, being interpreted, salvation. Later his name was changed to Joshua (Num 13:16). Christ's name signified salvation. 'Thou Shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). Jesus "came to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). But the name Jesus in Acts 7:45 and Heb. 4:8 refers to Joshua, and not to our Lord '7esus" is the Greek form of the word; "Joshua" the Hebrew.

Joshua, as a leader, was- well fitted to lead and sympathize with his people. His early life was spent in the Egyptian bondage. He was in the wilderness journey, a sharer of their labors and hardships. He was a man among men. He knew their testings, their trials, and consequently was well fitted to be their leader and guide (Joshua i). Christ is pre-eminently the One fitted to lead and sympathize with His children. "He took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2\y), "Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:17, 18). "He was tempted in all points like as we, yet without sin."

Joshua was a divinely appointed leader. He was not of man's choosing, but God's choice. "The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the Son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon him. And set him before Eleazar, the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight" (Num. 27:18, 19). Christ is divinely appointed. He was "sent from God" to be a Savior of His people. He is to be the leader who shall triumph over every foe. "Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people"

(Isa. 55:4) Joshua was a great conqueror. He smote the Amalekites and subdued the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Perizzites and a long list of other victories are recorded in Joshua 12. He went forth in the strength of God to victory. Christ is the Great Conqueror. He met Satan in the Valley of Death, but came forth conqueror. Although Satan bruised His heel, as prophesied (Gen. 3:15), Christ bruised Satan's head, and came forth from the grave in resurrection power. "For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering" (Heb. 2:10). "He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are headed" (Isa. 53:5). "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Our God is faithful.

Joshua, like his predecessor, Moses, accomplished the great things wrought by him through the power of God. God speaks, saying, "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5). God was with him in battle against the enemy, was with him m leading the people, was with him constantly. His promise "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee," was given. God could not break it. Christ, who is God as well as man, saves and guides His people by His own power. "He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt, 1:21); ^^even so the Son quickeneth whom He will" (John 5:21). God gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has power to save all who put their faith and trust in Him. "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him" (Heb. 7:25). Christ's promise, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37) will stand for eternity. Grasp the promises by faith. They are for you.

Joshua completed the work which Moses began. Moses led Israel out of Egypt, but Joshua brought them into Canaan (Joshua 3 and 4). Christ, likewise, completed the work commenced by Moses. "The law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Christ came "not to destroy, but to fulfill the law" (Matt. 5:17), "And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39).. The law represented by Moses was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ (Gal. 3:24). Christ completed the law, fulfilled it, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom. 10:4). In truth the "Law came by Moses, but Grace and Truth came" by the fulfiller of the law, Jesus Christ.

"How calm the judgment hour shall pass
To all who do obey
The Word of God about the blood,
And make that Word their stay."

Truly the Poet has sung:

Grace there is my every debt to pay,
Blood to wash my every sin away.
Power to keep me spotless day by day,
In Christ for me."