Godchaser Podcast
Join Evan Evans on The God Chaser Podcast, a weekly exploration of faith, spirituality, and personal growth centered on Jesus Christ. Evan, a devoted believer and captivating host guides listeners through engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions that deepen their understanding of Christ and His teachings.
We delve into topics such as Christ's teachings, the power of prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The God Chaser Podcast aims to inspire and challenge listeners, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to live a more fulfilling, Christ-centered life.
Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your faith journey, The God Chaser Podcast with Evan Evans supports and nourishes your spiritual growth. Subscribe to Apple Podcasts and join us each week as we chase after the heart of Jesus, embracing the transformative power of His love and grace.
Godchaser Podcast
From Law to Grace: Discovering Jesus in the Story of Joshua
Curious about how an ancient leader's journey can illuminate your spiritual path today? Join me, Evan Evans, on the God Chaser Podcast as we unveil the intricate parallels between Joshua's story and the life of Jesus. We'll explore a transition from laws to grace, uncover a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, and reveal how the faith-driven victories in Joshua's battles mirror our spiritual struggles and triumphs. Through the symbolism of Rahab's scarlet cord, we find profound insights into redemption. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of faith and highlight the power of heart transformation and surrender to Jesus' lordship.
Take a closer look at your own allegiances as we draw lessons from Joshua's call to serve the Lord, reflecting on Jesus' teachings about choosing a master. Discover why a personal relationship with Jesus is essential for true transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises. We also spotlight the fusion of faith and fashion, encouraging you to express your beliefs boldly through your wardrobe choices. Let this episode inspire you to live a life blessed by God's presence, continually pursuing a deeper connection with Him, and embracing a lifestyle that reflects His everlasting grace and love.
Keep chasing after God
Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we pursue the heart of God and explore the depths of His wisdom. I'm your host, evan Evans. Today's episode might just be the trumpet blast you've been waiting for. We're diving into one of Scripture's most epic narratives, the story of Joshua. But this isn't just another retelling of ancient battles and fallen walls. This is about you, your battles, your walls, your promised land and, most importantly, about Jesus, our greater Joshua, who leads us into our true inheritance.
Speaker 1:Think about it. A leader whose very name means Yahweh saves, guiding God's people from wilderness wandering into promised victory. A commander who faced impossible odds with nothing but faith and divine instruction. A warrior who learned that sometimes victory comes not through fighting but through faithful obedience. In today's episode, we'll discover how the transition from Moses to Joshua mirrors our journey from law to grace.
Speaker 1:The mysterious commander before Jericho's battle reveals Christ's pre-incarnate appearance. A scarlet cord in a prostitute's window foreshadows the blood of our redemption. Silent marches around stubborn walls teach us about faith's quiet persistence. Cities of refuge paint a beautiful picture of Christ protecting grace. Whether you're a longtime believer or just spiritually curious, this episode will reshape how you see both the Old Testament and your own journey of faith, because here's the truth Every battle Joshua fought, every river he crossed, every wall he faced was painting a picture of a greater Joshua to come. So grab your Bible, open your heart and join us as we chase after God's heart through the story of Joshua, because when we truly see Jesus in these ancient pages, we find hope for our modern struggles.
Speaker 2:Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, the ultimate destination for those yearning to cultivate a passionate, intimate relationship with God. Join your host, Evan Evans, as he explores the depths of scripture, shares inspiring testimonies and provides practical guidance to help you become a true God chaser, Discover the transformative power of pursuing God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser Podcast. Let the chase begin.
Speaker 1:Welcome back to the God Chaser Podcast. I'm your host, evan Evans. Last week we saw how Moses and the Exodus painted an incredible picture of Christ. Today we're going deeper as we discover Jesus in the story of Joshua. And let me tell you, this isn't just about ancient battles and fallen walls. This is about your battles, your walls and how Jesus leads you into your promised inheritance. Let's start with something profound.
Speaker 1:In Hebrew, joshua's name is Yehoshua, which means Yahweh saves. It's the same name given to our Savior, for, as Matthew 1, verse 21 tells us, you shall call his name Jesus. Yeshua, for he will save his people from their sins. This isn't coincidence, it's divine foreshadowing. We meet Joshua in a moment of transition, divine foreshadowing. We meet Joshua in a moment of transition. Moses, the great lawgiver, has died and now Joshua must lead God's people into their inheritance. This mirrors how Christ transitions us from law to grace. Romans, chapter 8, verse 3, tells us what the law couldn't do. God did by sending his son.
Speaker 1:Listen to God's words to Joshua in Joshua, chapter 1, verses 5 to 6. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Some of you are standing at your own Jordan River right now. Maybe it's a new season God is calling you into, but fear holds you back. Maybe you're facing what looks like impossible obstacles. You know God has promised you something, but between you and that promise stands waters you can't cross, walls you can't breach.
Speaker 1:There was a crucial requirement. Joshua, chapter 5, verses 2 to 9, tells us about the circumcision at Gilgal. Every male who'd been born in the wilderness needed to undergo this covenant sign. Some of you might be wondering what this has to do with Jesus, but listen to what Paul says in Colossians, chapter 2, verses 11 to 12. In him you were also circumcised, not with the circumcision done by human hands, but with the circumcision done by Christ. This is about heart transformation. Before we can enter into God's promises, there must be a cutting away of the flesh, our old nature, our self-reliance, our wilderness mentality. Some of you are trying to claim promises while holding on to Egypt's ways. You want the promised land, but you're still operating in wilderness thinking.
Speaker 1:Then comes that fascinating encounter in Joshua, chapter 5, verses 13 to 15. Joshua meets a man with a drawn sword, who identifies himself as commander of the army of the Lord. Notice Joshua's response. He falls face down in worship and the commander says Notice Joshua's response. He falls face down in worship and the commander says take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy. This is the same command given at the burning bush. Who is this mysterious figure? Many scholars believe this was a pre incarnate appearance of Christ himself.
Speaker 1:Think about the timing. This appears just before the battle of Jericho. Some of you are facing your own Jericho, that impossible situation, that mountain that won't move, that wall that won't fall. But before Joshua got his battle strategy, he had an encounter with the true commander. Your victory doesn't start with your strategy. It starts with your surrender to Christ's lordship. Now look at Jericho's walls.
Speaker 1:Joshua, chapter 6, gives us what seems like a strange battle plan March around the city seven days, blow trumpets, shout. From a military perspective it's absurd. But this wasn't about military might, it was about faith. Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 30, tells us by faith the walls of Jericho fell. But before Jericho falls, there's a crucial story we can't miss Rahab and the scarlet cord.
Speaker 1:Joshua, chapter 2 shows us this Gentile woman living in a doomed city who places her faith in Israel's God. She hangs a scarlet cord from her window and through this sign, she and her family are saved when judgment falls. Does this remind you of anything? Think back to the Passover, where a blood-red sign marked those who would be saved from judgment. That scarlet cord points directly to Christ's blood, marking those who will be saved when judgment comes. Even more amazing, matthew, chapter 1, verse 5, lists Rahab in Jesus' genealogy. This former prostitute becomes part of the Messiah's lineage. Talk about grace. Some of you need to hear this. It doesn't matter what city you've been living in, what reputation you carry, what sins mark your past. Like Rahab, your scarlet cord is the blood of Jesus and it can transform your story from shame to glory.
Speaker 1:Then comes Jericho. But notice something fascinating Before the walls fell, israel had to circle them in silence Six days of silent marching. Some of you are in your silent season right now. You're circling your promise, but nothing seems to be happening. The walls aren't falling, the situation isn't changing, but silence doesn't mean God is inactive. Joshua, chapter 6, verses 15 to 16, tells us that on the seventh day they circled seven times the trumpet sounded, the people shouted and the walls fell. But here's what you need to understand those walls fell before a single Israelite soldier lifted a weapon. In the same way, jesus won your victory before you ever fought a battle. Colossians, chapter 2, verse 15, tells us he disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them triumphing over them by the cross.
Speaker 1:But then we come to Ai, israel's devastating defeat. Joshua, chapter 7, reveals the cause hidden sin in the camp. Some of you are experiencing defeat right now because you're trying to enter your promised land while harboring hidden compromise. You can't claim kingdom victory while holding on to worldly values. After Ai's initial defeat, watch how Joshua responds. Joshua, chapter 7, verses 6 to 9, shows him falling face down before the Ark of the Covenant. Some of you are facing defeat right now and you're doing everything except the one thing you need to do Get before God's presence. Notice that God doesn't leave Joshua in the dust. Joshua, chapter 7, verse 10, says Stand up. What are you doing down on your face? There's a time to pray and there's a time to act.
Speaker 1:Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 16, tells us we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence. Why? Because Jesus, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses. He's been tested in every way, yet without sin. Then comes one of the most extraordinary moments in scripture Joshua, chapter 10, verses 12 to 14. Joshua commands the sun to stand still and it obeys. Think about this. Jesus would later calm storms with a word, showing authority over nature. But there's something deeper here. Joshua needed more daylight to complete God's victory. Jesus on the cross would experience darkness at noon, taking our darkness so we could walk in light. Look at how Joshua divided the land.
Speaker 1:Joshua, chapter 13 through 19 might seem like dry reading. All these boundaries and territories, but every tribe received their specific inheritance. Ephesians, chapter 1, verse 11, tells us that in Christ we have obtained an inheritance. Your spiritual inheritance isn't generic, it's specifically designed for you. But watch this beautiful provision the cities of refuge. Joshua, chapter 20 establishes six cities where someone who accidentally caused a death could find safety from the avenger. These cities picture Christ perfectly.
Speaker 1:Hebrews, chapter 6, verse 18, says we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. Some of you are running from your past right now. Maybe it's guilt, shame or consequences you never intended. Listen, jesus is your city of refuge. The door is always open, the road is clearly marked and once you're inside, you're safe.
Speaker 1:Near the end of Joshua's life we find one of Scripture's most powerful challenges Joshua, chapter 24, verse 15,. Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. This echoes through time to Jesus' words in Matthew, chapter 6, verse 24. No one can serve two masters. Some of you are trying to live in both worlds, claiming Christ but serving other gods. Maybe it's the God of career, of approval, of comfort, of control. Joshua's challenge rings true today. You must choose. There's no neutral ground in the kingdom.
Speaker 1:Look at Joshua, chapter 24, verses 19 to 22. Joshua tells the people you are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God. Sounds harsh, doesn't it? But he's making a profound point that points straight to Christ. Under our own power, we cannot serve God. Romans, chapter 8, verse 3, explains that what the law couldn't do, god did by sending Jesus.
Speaker 1:Then there's that powerful moment in Joshua, chapter 24, verse 26. Joshua takes a large stone and sets it up as a witness. He says this stone has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. Fast forward to Luke, chapter 19, verse 40, where Jesus declares that if his disciples were silent, the very stones would cry out. Even the rocks testified to God's faithfulness.
Speaker 1:Joshua's farewell speech in chapter 23 contains this promise in verse 14. Joshua's farewell speech in chapter 23 contains this promise in verse 14. Not one of all the good promises the Lord, your God, gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled. This points directly to 2 Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 20. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ. Some of you need to hear this right now God's promises don't fail. Maybe you're looking at promises that seem unfulfilled, dreams that seem dead, prayers that seem unanswered. But just as every promise to Israel was fulfilled through Joshua's leadership, every promise to you is secured in Christ. Let's look at the final days of Joshua's leadership and see how they point to Christ's ongoing work in our lives.
Speaker 1:Joshua, chapter 24, verses 31, tells us something profound Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel. Think about that phrase who had experienced everything the Lord had done. Some of you are living on secondhand faith. You've heard about God's power, you've read about his promises, but you haven't experienced them personally. Jesus says in John, chapter 14, verse 12,. Jesus says in John, chapter 14, verse 12, but there's a warning here too. Judges, chapter 2, verses 10 to 11, tells us what happened after Joshua's generation. Another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. This mirrors what's happening in many churches today People who know about Jesus but don't know Jesus.
Speaker 1:Here's where we need to grasp something crucial Joshua could lead people into the promised land, but he couldn't give them a promised heart. He could conquer external enemies, but he couldn't conquer internal ones. This points to our need for Jesus who not only leads us to victory but transforms us from within. As Ezekiel, chapter 36, verse 26, promises. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.
Speaker 1:Some of you are facing what seems like impossible obstacles right now. Your Jericho might be an addiction you can't break. Your Jordan might be a transition you fear making. Your giants might be past traumas that still terrorize you. But remember, joshua's name points to the greater Joshua, jesus who doesn't just lead us to victory but is our victory.
Speaker 1:Hebrews, chapter 4, verses 8 to 9, tells us. For if Joshua had given them rest, god would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. This is crucial. Joshua could give Israel physical rest in Canaan, but only Jesus can give us true soul rest. Some of you are tired, not just physically tired, but soul tired. You're weary of fighting, weary of failing, weary of trying to measure up. Jesus says in Matthew, chapter 11, verse 28, come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Joshua's final act was to renew the covenant with Israel, but the new covenant Jesus established doesn't need renewal. It's eternally secured in his blood. Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 20, calls it the eternal covenant Family.
Speaker 1:As we close today's episode, let me speak to where you are right now. If you're standing at your Jordan, afraid to step into what God has for you, remember that Jesus has already gone before you. If you're facing your Jericho, looking at impossible walls, remember that faith in Christ can bring down any barrier. If you're dealing with defeat, like I, remember that Jesus is greater than your failures and his grace is greater than your sin. If you're claiming your inheritance, remember that in Christ, every promise is yes and amen.
Speaker 1:Next week we'll explore how Jesus appears in the story of the judges. But for now, remember this Joshua could only lead people to a physical promised land, but Jesus leads us to an eternal inheritance. Joshua could only conquer earthly enemies, but Jesus has conquered sin, death and the grave. This is Evan Evans, reminding you to keep chasing God's heart Until next time. Remember your victory isn't in your strength, your strategy or your righteousness. Your victory is in Jesus, our greater Joshua. This has been the God Chaser podcast. Join us next week as we continue finding Jesus in every story of the Bible. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.
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Speaker 1:May you not just chase God but find Him in the blessings, big and small, that he has in store for you. And there we have it, folks. Another episode of God Chaser wrapped up. We hope you've been blessed by today's discussion and we look forward to diving into more life-transforming topics with you in the future. Stay blessed and keep chasing after God. Thank you.