“THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ~ a Type & Shadow” A-011 (06-30-21) Joshua 2:11-13
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Joshua 2:11-13 (NKJV) says, “11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token {or, a token of truth}, 13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”
● One of the most commonly known things about Jericho was that it was believed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the city with the oldest known protective wall in the world. It seems that walls are a symbol of spiritual and material protection in the Bible, but can serve as both to keep things out or to keep things in.
● Joshua 2:13 (NET) says, “that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and will rescue us {or, our lives} from death.” When dealing with our own mental or soulish battles, keeping negative thoughts out of our mind is only one part of this type of struggle. The other part is getting negative or non-productive thoughts out of our minds. Rahab saves the lives of the two spies, then she believes for the saving of herself and her family.
● Joshua 2:13 (NET) says, “that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and will rescue us {or, our lives} from death.”
● Rahab makes no mention of any husband, or any children, which would have been common for a harlot in that day. When Rahab knew that the inhabitants of the city were going to be destroyed when it was attacked, she provided for the safety of her family, similarly as Noah did in his day.
● Hebrews 11:7 (NKJV) says, “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
● As a type and shadow of these events, the soul or mind has a defense mechanism that defends itself when attacked, or even when suspicion arises about a change that is going to take place. This is why the mind is referred to as the human, rational soul, and it is practical of its own estate and condition, and by nature, it is very solicitous or attentive of the thoughts it embraces and rejects.
● And as it is with Noah, Paul, and or Rahab, we see the need within the human-form way of thinking for self-preservation within. But we also see the spirit-form way of thinking, a.k.a., the God-mind within that sees beyond one’s own self, and desires salvation for others. Rahab’s attitude did not seem to be “my four and no more” type of thinking.
● She was not satisfied only to save herself, but she also wanted to save her family or her household. Keep in mind that Joshua had the job of clearing out the wandering tribes of Canaan, so the Israelites could have a home. And again, for me, the wandering tribes are an allegory for the wandering thoughts within the soul of mankind. This should be the way we train our minds to think as we also embrace the Christ-mind within.
● So, as we deal with our own thinking concerning the “wandering thoughts” within the unrenewed soul or mind, we must begin to think outside the box of limitedness and see a greater victory than we have experienced so far. Instead of only thinking about yourself each day, expand your thoughts to “how can I help someone else today,” and do it because you believe that your Creator has created you to manifest as visible and be a blessing to your family, and the others who are around you.
● I hope you were enlightened and inspired to “dig deep into the well of Father’s mind within” as you watch this video lesson!