Many years later, another Joshua would be sent by God. He would also have the name meaning God saves or Yahweh is salvation, but this time the name would be Greek and not Hebrew. He would be called Jesus (Matthew 1:21).

Like Joshua, Jesus would also come to do battle on behalf of God’s people. But he would not fight against human enemies and armies, but against the devil himself. In the wilderness he would be tempted for forty days, where he would show great courage, not turning from God’s law to the right or the left despite the devil’s promises of rest and comfort (Matthew 4:1–11).

Throughout his life, he would perfectly obey the Book of the Law, not allowing it to depart from his mouth. He taught God’s people with authority (Mark 1:27). In the garden of Gethsemane he would show great strength, as he committed himself to obeying he Father even if it would cost his own life, even as it meant facing the cup of God’s wrath and anger (Mark 14:32–42).

Because Jesus was obedient even unto death (Philippians 2:8), he was able to triumph over all his enemies at the cross (Colossians 2:15) and he was vindicated for his trust in God by his resurrection.

God brings his people into a land of rest not through their obedience, but through the obedience of his servant.

The words of God to Joshua are good news because they testify to the fact that our future with God in his new creation is not dependent on our obedience. God’s perfect servant Jesus Christ, the servant whom Joshua foreshadowed, he has lived the perfect life on our behalf. He has made us right with God. He grants us eternal life as a gift of grace.

In response to the work of God’s servant, the people of God are meant to show trust and faith in him. The tribes of Israel were called to obey Joshua (Joshua 1:16) and follow him into the land. Similarly, in response to Jesus’ work of salvation, God’s people are called to have faith in him (Acts 16:31). That is how we are made right in God’s sight (Romans 3:21–26). Jesus has removed the sting of death for his people (1 Corinthians 15:50–58). He has sent his Holy Spirit to be a deposit, a guarantee of the inheritance that they now have in his new heavenly city (Ephesians 1:14). His people simply need to trust in him for salvation.