Verses 2, 3, 9, 14, 24 highlight “the land” the Lord gave to His people.  Once again, something about this life in the land must translate into our life in Christ.  But in this narrative the unlikely alliance with Rahab gives us confidence that our Lord has provided LifePlus living for Believers.  Of all characters in the OT, a prostitute believes in God and is instrumental in gaining an important victory for His people in the Land.  Certainly, Rahab’s faith is to be copied, but observe that God guarantees His blessings on Believers through Christ who was born in Rahab’s line (cf. Matt. 1:5).  Salvation was secured for us as Christ gave His life in place of us (cf. Joshua 2:14 and the oath, “Our life for yours even to death!”).  Application takes the form of gaining confidence or trust in God’s ability to save from temptation.

Verses 14-15 record Joshua’s instructions for the 2.5 tribes to help their brothers.  It’s probably significant that this is Joshua’s first take-charge moment.  The plot drives the theology of this passage.  Enjoying God’s rest is a family affair, not every man for himself.  God describes entrance into the Promised Land as “rest.”  It’s one angle on how life in the Promised Land relates to life in Christ.   Notice that every able-bodied warrior is needed in this fight.  Although the 2.5 tribes were already experiencing their rest, they couldn’t rest while their brothers and sisters had battles to fight.  The response of the 2.5 tribes urges us to obey our Lord.  They were so serious that they issued the death penalty on anyone who disobeyed.  Of course, on the cross, Jesus, the Obedient One, died in place of the disobedient ones.  By faith in Him we are able to obey and join the fight for the rest He provides (cf. Hebrews 4).

I considered v. 6 important enough to include it in two sermons. Since the command to obey is repeated in vv. 7-8, this is an important part of the theology of this opening scene. Enjoying God’s eternal life (LifePlus) is conditioned upon obedience. And that obedience requires strength and courage due to all the opposition we face from the world, flesh, and the devil. The OT condition of “good success” and “prosperity” need to be defined in terms of our salvation in Christ–LifePlus. Joshua’s obedience points to Christ–God with us (v. 9)–who completely obeyed God’s Law and made His perfection available to us who believe. Verse 8 drives the application by urging Believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word.

Joshua is presented as God’s new commander and God guarantees him victory because He would be with him.  Theology follows this portrayal of him.  Joshua’s responsibility was to be strong and courageous (v. 6).  Life in the Promised Land contains similarities to our Christian life.  Like those who followed Joshua, those who follow Christ by faith are able to enjoy God’s unlimited spiritual protection and provision.  On the cross, God did to Jesus what He said He wouldn’t do to the Israelites (cf. v. 5 “I will not…forsake you”) and this secures our victory.  In the application, before we talk about the need for a strong and courageous faith (following Joshua’s positive example), it is important to highlight that what Joshua did for Israel, Jesus does for those who believe.  Then Believers can be strong and courageous in the fight for holiness.

The story of Israel’s invasion, conquest, and division of the Promised Land bolsters the faith of Believers by showing them God’s faithful exercise of His power on behalf of His redeemed people. Joshua also provides numerous instructions for Believers that help them in their quest to enjoy all God has provided for them in Christ. This type of summary gives the sermon series a sense of unity and purpose.