Closer To Heaven
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by Admiral Ncube | 3 December 2025 | Early in November, the deacons at a church here in Zimbabwe issued the following notice: Gates will be manned at all times; all children and youths exiting to be accompanied by a parent or guardian No use of mugs/flasks in the shade and in the church All […] Source: https://atoday.org/a-beacon-of-hope-or-command-and-control/
LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA
Lesson 10 : The True Joshua
10.5 Joshua and Us
Jesus – the true Joshua who secures our eternal inheritance
IntroductionThe Bible is full of people who are so-called types pointing ahead to Jesus Christ. Joshua is one of these remarkable figures. His name means “The LORD is salvation” — the same meaning as the Hebrew name of Jesus (Yeshua). Joshua’s task was to lead Israel into the Promised Land, defeat the enemies, and bring the people into the rest of God. Christ fulfills this picture in a spiritual and final way. He does not fight against human enemies, but against sin, death, and the enemy of souls — and he leads his people into the spiritual inheritance: the Kingdom of God.
This lesson shows how deep and relevant this typology is for the church today — in an age that lives between promise and fulfillment.
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BIBLE STUDYJoshua as a type of Christ and the Church
Background: Joshua as a type of ChristThe name Joshua (Hebrew: Yehoshua) means “The LORD saves” — the same meaning as the name Jesus (Yeshua) in the New Testament. Joshua was Moses’ successor and led Israel into the Promised Land. In his calling, leadership, obedience and his role as mediator between God and the people, he prophetically points to Jesus Christ, who leads his people into the heavenly inheritance.
Joshua:
• Led Israel from the desert into the Promised Land
Jesus:
• Leads the church from slavery to sin into eternal life
Spiritual battles of the church — in the light of Joshua’s battles
1. 1 Timothy 1:18
“…this command I entrust to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies made about you, that by them you may fight the good fight.”
• Paul sees the Christian life as a “good fight” connected to a calling
• Just as Joshua did not fight to exalt himself but under God’s command, so do we
• The spiritual life is not passive waiting, but active engagement — in prayer, faith, and obedience
2. 2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
• Paul’s reflection resembles Joshua’s reflection shortly before his death (cf. Joshua 23–24)
• The goal is not just the fight, but keeping the faith to the end
• Our “fights” have an eternal perspective
3. Ephesians 6:10–12
“Put on the whole armor of God … for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood …”
• Unlike Joshua, our opponents are not people, but spiritual forces
• The armor (truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, Word of God) is our equipment
• Joshua had a physical sword — we have the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit (v.17)
4. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
“… our weapons are not fleshly, but powerful through God for pulling down strongholds …”
• The battles in the Old Testament against cities (like Jericho or Ai) symbolize spiritual strongholds: mindsets, pride, doubt
• The spiritual battle concerns our thinking, arguments, inner world — these must be brought into obedience to Christ
5. Acts 20:32
“…I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance …”
• The “inheritance” here is not land, but spiritual property: peace, grace, eternal life
• The Word of God is the means by which we grow and recognize our calling — like Joshua, who should always carry the law with him (Joshua 1:8)
The spiritual inheritance: rest and glory
Hebrews 4:9–11
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God …”
• The conquest under Joshua was only a foretaste of the true rest Christ brings
• This rest is spiritual today (peace with God) — and will be fully fulfilled at Christ’s coming
• Rest is not a place — but a state of relationship with God
The final fulfillment of the typology — our hope
1 Peter 1:4
“…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading …”
• The heavenly inheritance is eternal — not like earthly Canaan, threatened by war and idolatry
Colossians 3:24
“…from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward …”
• Christ himself is our reward. The inheritance is relationship, eternal life, glory with him
Revelation 20:9
“… and fire came down from heaven and consumed them.”
• The last battle is not ours, but God’s. God himself defends his people
Revelation 21:3
“…Behold, the dwelling of God is with man …”
• The final rest: God himself dwells with his people — that is the true conquest!
Summary
| Joshua | Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| Led Israel into Canaan | Leads us into the heavenly Kingdom |
| Fought earthly enemies | Fights the spiritual battle against sin & Satan |
| Distributed land to the tribes | Gives every believer a share in God’s inheritance |
| Called for covenant renewal | Brings us into the new covenant by his blood |
| Died before he could bring Israel into complete rest | Lives forever and brings us into perfect rest |
Key statement
The conquest under Joshua is a shadow of the church’s spiritual journey today. The true Joshua — Jesus Christ — leads us not into earthly possession, but into eternal fellowship with God.
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Answers to the Questions• The wars under Joshua were necessary to enter the promised land — likewise we must fight spiritually to take possession of our inheritance in Christ
• Israel’s enemies symbolize spiritual enemies: sin, pride, worldliness
• The difference is that the New Testament battle is not fought with weapons, but with spiritual means (2 Cor 10:3–5)
• Our enemy is not people, but whatever separates them from God
Key texts:
• 1 Tim 1:18 — “fight the good fight of faith”
• 2 Tim 4:7 — “I have fought the good fight…”
• Eph 6:10–12 — “Put on the armor of God …”
• Acts 20:32 — the Word builds up — spiritual growth despite battle
• Our “promised land” is not geographical, but heavenly: the new earth, eternal life
• We expect “an imperishable, undefiled inheritance” (1 Pet 1:4)
• Col 3:24 speaks of “the reward of the inheritance” — a clear reference to final fulfillment
• Rev 20:9; 21:3 describe how God will dwell among his people — as once in the promised land, but now in perfect fellowship
Joshua asked: “How long will you delay to take possession of the land?”
Jesus might ask today:
“How long will you delay to receive the fullness of life that I want to give you through my Spirit?”
Or:
“Why do you still live in fear and half-heartedness, although I have given you everything you need for life and godliness?” (cf. 2 Pet 1:3)
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Spiritual Principles• The spiritual battle is real — but so is the victory
• Christ is the true Joshua who wants to lead us into heavenly rest
• Our faith must be active, not passive — we “fight” through trust, obedience, steadfastness
• The Word of God is our weapon and source of strength
• Covenant renewal is necessary — spiritual renewal happens through daily surrender
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Life Application• Start your day by consciously “putting on the armor” (Eph 6)
• Fight your “inner battles” — against doubt, discouragement, temptation — in prayer
• Read the Word regularly to understand your spiritual inheritance
• Realize that you are not waiting for a geographical place, but for a spiritual reality that begins now
• Live as an heir — full of hope, dignity and strength, because Christ has already conquered
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ConclusionJoshua was a faithful servant of God who led the people into the promised land — but Christ surpasses him in everything. He leads his church not only into a better land, but into a new world. The fight we fight is not against people, but against everything that wants to keep us from the heavenly goal. But we are not alone. We have the promises, the weapons, and the Victor himself at our side.
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Thought of the Day“Christ is our Joshua — and he calls us today: Do not hesitate to take hold of the fullness of life I have given you!”
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Illustration Chapter 1: The Valley of HesitationJulius, 27 years old, was a committed Christian. Since his youth he had been active in the church, teaching children’s classes, leading worship, organizing Bible retreats. And yet… something was missing. He felt it every morning when he opened his Bible. It was as if God kept asking him:
“How long will you delay to take possession of the land I have given you?”
His “land” was not geographical. It was spiritual. An inner land: freedom from fear. Authority in prayer. Clarity in calling. He knew God had more for him — but he lived on the threshold. In the “borderland.”
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Chapter 2: The City of ShadowsHis greatest battle was not visible — it lived in his mind. Julius was afraid of failure. Outwardly he looked disciplined, but inwardly he was torn. He postponed decisions, let himself be directed by others’ opinions, and struggled with hidden self-loathing.
Then came a moment in a simple home group sermon:
“Many Christians live like Israel in Canaan — they are in the promised land, but they do not fight. They tolerate their enemies instead of driving them out.”
The sentence hit him like an arrow. Julius thought:
“I have made peace with things that no longer have any right to be in my life.”
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Chapter 3: The ArmorJulius began to read the Bible again — not for others, but for himself. Ephesians 6 became a weapon for him. He copied it by hand. He prayed it every morning:
• Belt of truth: “I am who God says I am.”
• Breastplate of righteousness: “My identity is not my failure.”
• Shield of faith: “I am not alone — God fights with me.”
• Sword of the Spirit: “I speak the Word against the lies.”
Something changed — slowly but noticeably. The shadows began to retreat.
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Chapter 4: Jericho in His HeartOne evening — after a long workday — Julius sat in his apartment and thought about all the inner walls that blocked him: fear of failure, guilt, old wounds. He had often tried to improve himself. Now he simply prayed:
“Lord, tear down my walls. I want to believe you, not myself.”
He remembered Joshua: how the people were to do nothing but be silent and march — for seven days. He began to “march” too: every morning in prayer, in silence, in trust. And at some point — very quietly — his walls began to crumble.
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Chapter 5: The InheritanceJulius realized that the “battle” is not only against something — but for something. For what God wanted to give him:
• Inner rest instead of drivenness
• Clarity about his calling
• Depth in his relationship with Jesus
• Courage to take spiritual responsibility
In a small prayer night with friends, he felt as if God was saying:
“I have not called you to be a spectator. You were not made for the wilderness, but for the promised land.”
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Chapter 6: The Other FightersHe began to speak about his battles — first cautiously, then boldly. Others opened up. A small community formed with one goal: not just to talk about the spiritual life, but to live it.
They read the Bible together, occasionally fasted, supported each other in temptation, listened to God’s voice. It was not perfect. But it was real.
And Julius realized: just as Joshua did not fight alone but with the whole people, he too could be part of a spiritual army — a fighter among brothers and sisters, with Jesus at the front.
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Chapter 7: The Lord’s RestA year passed. Julius had not “arrived” — but he was on the way. He had learned: the spiritual battle is not a phase, it is the journey. But also: Jesus is not only the leader — he is the victor.
God’s rest was not only a goal at the end, but a gift in the midst of the battle. When he prayed, he felt peace. When he fought, he knew God’s strength carried him.
He had not “possessed” the land — but he lived trusting in the inheritance.
Closing thoughts on the story
Many Christians, like Julius, stand in the “borderland.” They know God, they know the promises — but they hesitate. The Joshua story is not a relic of the past. It is your call today:
“Do not hesitate! Life in the Spirit is waiting. The battle is real — but the victory is sure.”
Christ is your Joshua. And he calls you:
“Follow me. I have an inheritance for you — and I fight with you.”
4 december 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading
Judges 21 – A Broken Tribe – and God’s Path to Restoration
How Benjamin, despite guilt and oath, found its way back into the people
Read online here
IntroductionThe book of Judges ends with a deeply moving and at the same time difficult-to-understand chapter. After a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, Israel faces a moral dilemma: an entire tribe is almost wiped out, and yet the people have sworn an oath to God that they do not want to break. It is a story of guilt, remorse, human failure – but also of restoration, wise leadership, and the search for a way out.
Today, let us allow this ancient story to draw us into the tensions between justice, mercy, and God’s guidance.
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CommentaryA dark shadow lay over Israel. After the cruel civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, the people were shocked at the extent of the violence. In a moment of vows and revenge, they had sworn: “None of us will ever give a daughter as wife to a Benjamite.” But now, as the anger had faded, horror set in: an entire tribe was about to disappear.
The men of Israel gathered in Bethel. There they wept bitterly before the Lord. It was not only grief; it was remorse. “Why, O God, has one whole tribe been lost?” they asked – even though they themselves were part of the cause.
In an attempt to save the situation, they looked for a way to work around their own promise. They discovered that the city of Jabesh in Gilead had not come to the national assembly. Therefore – in a harsh but systematically planned step – they sent an army there to punish the inhabitants and to bring back young, unmarried women. These were to become wives for the remaining men of Benjamin.
But it was not enough. So the elders came up with another solution: at the annual festival in Shiloh, young women would come out to dance. The Benjamites were to hide there and each one seize a wife – a staged “raid” in order to bypass the oath without officially breaking it.
And so it happened. The tribe of Benjamin received women again, could rebuild cities, and return to its inheritance. Afterwards Israel scattered, each man going back home – with a sense of restoration, but also with an aftertaste: the story was not a glorious triumph, but rather a complicated rescue attempt in which the people tried to repair the damage caused by their own anger.
And so the book of Judges ends with perhaps its saddest sentence:
“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
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SummaryAfter the war against Benjamin, Israel had sworn not to give them any daughters as wives.
In remorse, they looked for a way to rebuild the tribe of Benjamin.
Women were taken from Jabesh in Gilead and later also seized at the festival in Shiloh to provide for the survivors.
In this way, the tribe of Benjamin could be saved.
The story ends with a reminder of the missing divine kingship in Israel.
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Message for us todayThis story shows us how quickly human beings act in extremes – between justice and revenge, between oath and remorse. Even today we live in a world that often looks for quick solutions without considering the long-term consequences. But God is a God of restoration. Even when we fail, he does not give up. He works through our imperfect ways to bring healing and a future – sometimes in very unexpected ways.
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Thought impulseWhat does it mean to live in a time “when everyone does what is right in his own eyes”? How easily do we lose the balance between truth and grace in conflicts? And how can we – despite weaknesses and wrong decisions – create spaces where restoration is possible?
Maybe it is time not only to insist on our rights, but to seek the path of reconciliation – even when it means taking creative, humble steps. For God uses our broken paths to make something new grow.
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4 – 6 December 2025 BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 46
The Blessings and the Curses | When walls break before faith Read online here
BLOG 1
Between Two Mountains IntroductionAfter the victory over Ai, Israel does not gather for the next military campaign but for worship. Before they gain more land, they must first align their hearts.
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CommentaryThe sun stood high over the hills as the people rose from their camp. It was not a battle formation they took, but an assembly for something greater. Men, women, children — all joined in. The procession moved through a land not yet conquered, yet no hand was raised against them. An invisible fear of God lay over the surrounding cities.
The way led them to a place already marked by the faith of their fathers. Here Abraham had built his first altar. Here Jacob had his well, his tents, his repentance over buried idols. Now two mountains stood like two witnesses — Gerizim and Ebal, facing each other, as if they had been waiting for this day for centuries.
The people took their positions. On Gerizim gathered those who would proclaim the blessings; on Ebal those who would declare the curses. The Ark of the Covenant stood like a heartbeat between the two slopes.
Then the silence began.
Joshua lifted his voice and spoke words that moved like wind between the mountains. Every proclamation of blessing resounded, and a thunderous “Amen” answered from Gerizim. Then came words of curse, and Ebal called back. Thousands of voices, one will.
The words of the law were not hidden in a chest. They were visibly written on stone, readable by everyone, clear forever. Blessing and curse did not stand in the shadows — they stood in the light.
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SummaryIsrael renews its covenant promise before God. The words of the law are publicly read, and the whole people confirm blessing and curse by their response.
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Message for us today– God does not call us only to possession, but first to obedience.
– Blessing is not accidental: it follows clear paths defined by God.
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Thought promptWhich “mountain” is speaking more clearly to you today — Gerizim or Ebal?
4 December 2025
Daniel – Strong in Faith. Faithful in the Fire
5. Courage for the Truth – When steadfastness costs you something
Daily Verse“Whether our God saves us or not – we will not serve your gods.”
– Daniel 3:18
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Introduction: When conviction comes under pressureEveryone wants to be courageous – until it becomes uncomfortable.
Until people turn away.
Until the opinion of the crowd grows loud.
Until the price becomes tangible.
In these moments it is decided whether faith is real – or only external.
And it was exactly into such a moment that Daniel’s friends came: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
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Devotion: And the courage of his friends in the fireIt was a day like many others in the kingdom of Babylon. The sun shone over a wide plain, people streamed together, and a gigantic golden statue gleamed in the light, so tall that its shadow darkened the crowd. King Nebuchadnezzar had it built – a symbol of his power, his pride, his control. And he had given a clear command: when the music sounded, everyone was to kneel down and worship the statue. Whoever refused would face the fire – not as a metaphor, but as a glowing, deadly furnace whose heat could be felt from afar.
In the middle of the crowd stood three men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, friends of Daniel, men who, like him, had been carried off to Babylon. They had learned to live in a foreign culture, to speak other languages, to accept different customs – but there was a line they would never cross. Their hearts belonged to God. And when the music began, when trumpets, harps and flutes filled the air and thousands around them dropped to the ground like a wave, they remained standing.
For a moment the world seemed to fall silent. Everyone could see that they were not kneeling. There was no anger in their eyes, no arrogance, no rebellion. Only determination. They knew what this moment could mean. They knew that it would draw attention to them – and that the price would be high. But their conviction was deeper than their fear.
They were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar looked at them with astonishment and anger. He offered them the chance to reconsider their decision. Once more the music was to sound, once more they were to kneel. But their answer came calmly, clearly and without hesitation:
“Our God can save us. But even if he does not – we will not serve your gods.”
It was not defiance. Not dramatic heroism. It was trust – not only in God’s power, but in God’s wisdom. Not only “God can”, but “God may decide”.
The furnace was heated, hotter than ever before. The heat was so intense that even the men who threw the three into the flames died in the process. For most, this would have been the end of the story. But in the fire something happened that no one had expected.
Nebuchadnezzar jumped to his feet. “Did we not throw three men into the fire?” he asked. “Why do I see four? And the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”
Right in the middle of the fire someone was with them. A companion in the flames. A sign that God does not only stand at the edge of catastrophe, but in the midst of it. When the three finally came out, nothing on them was burned. Not a hair was singed. No piece of clothing damaged. Not even the smell of smoke clung to them. What was meant to destroy them had not even touched them.
The king was speechless. And in front of all the people it became visible what had previously been known only in their hearts: faith that holds – even when it costs something.
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What does this mean for us?Maybe you want to follow Jesus – but preferably without conflict.
Without rubbing anyone the wrong way.
Without headwind.
But real discipleship will sooner or later be challenged:
When you say “no” where everyone else says “yes”.
When you remain honest even though lying would be easier.
When you hold on to God’s truth even though it is unpopular.
It is precisely then that it becomes clear whether your faith is merely comfortable –
or whether it also holds in the “fire”.
God does not always promise that you will escape the fire.
But he does promise to be with you in the fire.
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What we can learn from Shadrach, Meshach and AbednegoCourage in faith does not mean: “Nothing will happen to me.”
Courage means: “I will remain faithful, no matter what happens.”
Faithfulness to God is more important than approval from people.
God can save – but we trust him even when he acts differently than we expected.
God’s nearness often becomes especially visible in the “fiery seasons” of our lives.
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Practical steps for todayName your “fire”:
Think about where you are under pressure today to deny or hide your faith.
Make a clear decision:
Decide that in one concrete situation today you will consciously stand for God’s truth – kindly, but clearly.
Seek God’s nearness in the fire:
Instead of only asking God to take the problem away, ask him to be close to you in the fire.
Remember God’s faithfulness:
Think of situations in which God has already carried you – and thank him for them.
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Questions for reflectionWhere is my faith currently costing me something – and am I willing to pay that price?
In which areas do I tend to adapt instead of taking a stand?
What would it look like in practice if I “remained standing” today while others “kneel”?
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PrayerLord,
I want to be faithful to you – even when it costs me something.
Give me courage to stand for you when others turn away.
Help me to value your truth more highly than people’s opinion.
Be with me in the “fire” of my decisions.
Strengthen my faith that you are faithful –
whether you preserve me or lead me through hardship.
My life belongs to you.
Amen.
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Key thought of the dayReal courage in faith does not mean escaping the fire – but trusting God in the fire.
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LumenCorde | Daily light for a living soul.
"Unimaginable" is a heartfelt original worship song that captures the awe of God's love and the wonder of our heavenly home. Written and performed by Anna Beaden, this song reminds us how the character of God will be lived out in Heaven. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iShkBoysZjQ
Daily Lesson for Thursday 4th of December 2025
The writers of the New Testament recognize the ecclesiological (church) fulfillment of the Joshua typology. The members of Christ’s body, the church, are involved in a spiritual warfare against evil forces; nevertheless, they enjoy the rest of God’s grace (Hebrews 4:9-11) and the blessings of their spiritual inheritance.
The final and complete fulfillment of the Joshua typology will be accomplished at the second coming of Jesus Christ (apocalyptic/eschatological aspect).
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
Joshua’s life reflected so much of God’s character that certain aspects of his life took on a prophetic character foreshadowing the activity and person of the Messiah.
For us, today, the Messiah has already come. His ministry does not need to be prefigured, but we still have the privilege of reflecting His character—the glory that Christ longed to share with His disciples (John 17:22) and that can become ours by contemplating the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The more we contemplate Jesus, the more we reflect the beauty of His character. This is so foundational to what our daily walk with Christ should lead to. This is why time in the Word, every day, is so important. This is why, too, we should also spend time dwelling on the life and character and teachings of Jesus. By beholding, yes, we do become changed.
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Joshua, the type, asked the Israelites: “ ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?’ ” (Joshua 18:3, NKJV). How would Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, phrase that question today? |
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3 December 2025 | The children playing in Bourj Hammoud in Beirut are more than Syrian refugees and immigrants; many are students of the Adventist Learning Center (ALC). “The ALC began more than a decade ago as an initiative to help newly arrived Syrian refugees to overcome their war-related trauma and get an education, school […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventist-learning-center-sees-its-legacy-through-student-testimony-in-beirut/
Introduction: Did you know that newspapers and popular magazines are written at a level that those with a seventh- grade education can read and understand? Why is that? My answer is that you use words that are simple enough that the reader understands. You do not want to make understanding difficult. 
When I write legal briefs, I generally write at a “low” level. Not because judges are uneducated, but rather because if I want to win, I want judges to be able to easily understand. I take that same approach when writing these Bible study outlines. This week our subject can be described in theological terms like “type” and “antitype.” These are uncommon words. I prefer to use the more common terms “illustration,” “symbol,” or the phrase “acted out prophecy.” Simply put, Joshua is a symbol or illustration of the coming Jesus. Let’s plunge into our study of the Bible to learn more about symbols and illustrations and why they have practical value!
I. Symbols and Types
A. Read Romans 5:12. Who is the “one man” who caused death to spread to all men? (Adam.)
B. Read Romans 5:14-16. We read that Adam was a “type” of the One who was to come. Who does verse 15 tell us is the one that Adam typified, symbolized, or illustrated? (Jesus.)
C. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. These verses refer to Jesus as “a great high priest.” What did the people of Joshua’s time understand about the work of the High Priest? (The sanctuary service with its sacrifices and the Day of Atonement was the way in which the people dealt with their sins.)
D. Read Hebrews 9:11-14. What does the symbolism of the sanctuary service on earth teach us about the future work of Jesus?
a. Does the sanctuary service in the Old Testament help us to understand Jesus’ present work in heaven?
E. Can you think of any other acted-out symbols of Jesus in the Old Testament?
II. Joshua a Type or Symbol of Jesus
A. Read Numbers 13:16. Do you see that Joshua has two names?
B. “Hoshea” means salvation or “the saved,” and “Joshua” means the Lord is salvation or “Yahweh saves.” Looking at the meaning of these two words, why do you think Moses made the name change?
C. Read Joshua 6:1-2 and Joshua 6:20. In light of this defeat of Jericho does this name change make sense? (The important ingredient is that the Lord saves!)
D. Read Deuteronomy 18:15. Who is speaking here? (Moses is speaking to the Hebrews in the wilderness.)
E. Read Deuteronomy 18:16. Why do the Hebrews need a prophet? (They asked for one. They did not want to have direct communication with God. They wanted Moses to tell them what God had said.)
F. Read Deuteronomy 18:17-18. Who is this promised “Moses” who will speak for God? (Joshua!)
G. Read John 1:14 and John 1:17-18. What does this tell us was the work of Jesus? (To make God known to humans. That is the same work as Moses and Joshua when they told the people what God had in mind for His people.)
III. Joshua and Rest
A. Read Hebrews 3:5-6. Are we like the Hebrews in the wilderness? Those who repeatedly disobeyed Moses?
a. How is this a symbol for us today? (When we hear God’s voice, we should confidently obey and not rebel.)
B. Read Hebrews 3:7-11. What “rest” did those who were in the wilderness for 40 years not find? (They died in the wilderness, they did not enter into the rest of the promised land.)
C. Read Hebrews 4:6-11. At the end of the 40 years the Hebrews under Joshua entered into God’s rest in the land promised to Abraham. What is the “another day” rest spoken of here? Is it the Sabbath? (God’s ultimate rest for us is heaven. But the rest in the salvation provided by Jesus is the key to the ultimate rest in heaven.)
D. Look again at Hebrews 4:4 and Hebrews 4:7–10. How many symbolic rests do you see? (I think we have three “rests” that are symbols: The first rest is after Jesus created the world. The second rest is when God’s people entered the promised land with Joshua leading. The third rest (verse 7) is where we hear God’s voice and let it enter our hearts rather than harden our hearts.)
E. Friend, do you see how Joshua and Moses symbolized what Jesus did later? Not only did they share the words of God with the people, but they gave leadership on the path to the land promised to Abraham. Jesus gives us a path to heaven. God’s offer is to give us rest if we believe. He offers not only a rest from current problems, but He is the path to eternal rest in the joy of heaven. Will you enter into that rest today?
IV. Next week: Living in the Land.
Copr. 2025, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.
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Episode 6 of the Pentecost 2025 Webinar Series on Evangelism with guests; Emil Peeler, Karen Lewis, and Ricardo Palacios For more information please check out Pentecost2025.com Music Licensed through the AudioNetwork Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeawG09He_Q
La Asociación Adventista del Centro Norte de Mindanao (NCMC) se vio sacudida, cuando su tesorero fue asesinado a tiros con una pistola calibre 45 dentro de la sede de la Asociación Adventista del Centro-Norte de Mindanao en Puntod, ciudad de Cagayan de Oro, Filipinas. La víctima fue identificada como Benjamin Vargas Méndez, de 65 años. […] Source: https://atoday.org/ex-pastor-adventista-acusado-de-asesinar-al-tesorero-de-la-asociacion-de-mindanao-filipinas/
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
