01 September 2006

Joshua, Son of Nun

On this day the holy Church commemorates Joshua, the Son of Nun. As a major Old Testament type of our Lord, we remember and give thanks for Joshua, who shares the same name as our Lord, and who brought the people into the promised land.

Moses (the Law) could get them to the borders, but not across the Jordan. Joshua, however, leads them into their inheritance.

So our Lord, our Joshua, accomplishes what the Law of Moses cannot, and makes us heirs and brings us into our true home. And in the taking possession of the "land" He leads in the battle against the Canaanites, Hittites, etc., the demonic infestations that He drives forth by His advent. So when our Lord comes back from His baptism, from crossing the Jordan and wandering in the wilderness, the onslaught against the demonic begins in earnest!

When I tread the verge of Jordan
Bid my anxious fears subside
Death of death and Hell's Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee. - LSB 918, vs. 3 (PUBLIC DOMAIN)

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