In the Word – Types and Shadows Part3
The last two weeks I have been discussing different types and shadows in the Bible. Remember according to Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, “The word “type” is generally used to denote a resemblance between something present and something future, which is called the “antitype.” While there are some differences, when I use the words “types”, “shadows”, or “figure”, I am basically referring to the same.
Joshua is the next person that I will discuss
as a type of Christ. Notice that Joshua
in the Hebrew is Yehôshua’, and Jesus in the Hebrew is Yehowshuwa` it is the
same root word, which simply means “The Lord saves”. Joshua and Jesus both had been divinely
appointed to save God’s people. Joshua
was called the servant of Moses’ (which is a type of the Law), and Jesus was a
servant of the Law.
The river Jordan was the place for both
Joshua and Jesus to begin their public life of leadership. Joshua 1:2, “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”. Mark 1:9, “And it came to pass in those days,
that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan”.
Another figure or type we see in the story of
Joshua is Rahab. She is an outcast from
the world – as were the Gentiles to the Jews. However, it was by the scarlet thread that she
and her household were saved – just like it is only by the scarlet blood of
Jesus Christ that we can be saved. Joshua
2:18, “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet
thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy
father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home
unto thee”. Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins”.
Joshua led God’s people to the Promised Land
– Canaan. Canaan is the land of
blessing, a rest from wandering. Exodus
3:8a, “And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and
to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land
flowing with milk and honey;”. Jesus
gives us rest in the land of blessing – the Christian life. John 10:10b, “I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it more abundantly”.
I encourage you to put your trust in the Lord
Jesus Christ and enjoy the best life God has planned for you.
Elder Tim White
Ider, Alabama
In the Word – Types and Shadows Part3
