Joshua - RestSample

Rest is a central theme in the book of Joshua. God’s purpose for the Promised Land campaign was to give Israel rest. Not necessarily rest from conflict, but rest from wandering.

God rested on the seventh day. Sabbath Days and Years adorn God’s Law. He promised a future rest to Israel, and there remains a complete Sabbath rest for Jesus followers. Rest is important to God.

What is rest?

• Rest is not the absence of conflict.
• Rest is not something we earn.
• Rest does not wait for us to cross the river of death.
• Rest is not complete at the point of salvation.

We often compare crossing the Jordan with death and Promised Land rest with Heaven - but the Israelite Promised Land was full of conflict and giants. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, it was to stop wandering, to claim God’s promises for themselves, and to commit themselves to fight against God’s enemies.  

We are more than warriors when we stop wandering the wilderness of pride, start trusting in God, and fully abide in Christ to battle against our spiritual enemies. That is how we cross the Jordan and enjoy Promised Land rest. 

Biblical rest begins as we stop wandering and rest in the complete work of Jesus.

Challenge:

• Memorize Joshua 22:5
• Find rest in Jesus today.