Advancing to the Promised Land (Heaven) (Joshua 1:1-9)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
7 August 2022
In life we either advance or stagnate. Israel advanced to the promised land. Christians advance to their promised land which is heaven.
Israel was led by Joshua. The church is led by Jesus. Joshua is a type of Jesus. Both names mean Saviour.
Joshua and Israel must make progress. They must "go over”, that is, they must leave their past and go into the future. Jesus had to leave heaven and come to the fallen world to save the world and enable people to "go over" to heaven.
God's people have a destination. Neither Israel nor the church live aimlessly. They are called of God to be pilgrims in this world. This world is not our home; we are just passing through.
The land was God’s gift to Israel. Our entry into heaven is a gift from God. Only Jesus has heavenly merit. Only through Jesus can we enter heaven. We enter heaven emptied of self but filled with Christ—Christ in us the hope of glory.
The Lord was with Israel. He still is. He will not forsake or abandon his people. The Hebrews reached the promised land because God never forsook them. Christians will reach heaven because Jesus will not forsake them. Like a good shepherd his rod and staff will comfort and lead them.
Entry for Israel and the church is unstoppable. No man could stand before Joshua. No man or devil could stand before Jesus and his church. Jesus cannot be stopped. He will lead into heaven a great multitude of people which no one can number.
Joshua was required to be strong and of great courage. Jesus was strong and courageous. He resisted the devil. He resisted Jewish aspirations to drive out the Romans. Christians must be strong and courageous. We are in a spiritual battle.
The inheritance was to be divided. We have an inheritance before us and shall partake in the inheritance of the saints. Every good and prefect thing comes from God and we shall inherit good things in heaven.
Joshua must meditate daily on the law of the Lord. Leaders must know God’s word if they are to lead in God’s way. Jesus meditated on the law. As a twelve year old boy he could debate with the experts in matters of faith. We must not only read the Bible but meditate upon it.
Israel would prosper, that is, be successful. Jesus was successful. He accomplished what he came to do. As he was dying he cried out "It is finished". The work was done. We also will be successful. Heaven is before us. We shall certainly enter.
The lesson for us from Joshua 1:1-9 is that we advance to heaven with the assurance of a safe arrival. Believers rejoice! The Bible teaches the certainty of salvation. It is not presumptuous to have assurance of eternal salvation. As certain as Jesus died and rose and entered heaven so certain shall the church enter after him.