LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Canaan as a Type of Christ
When we look at the book of Joshua to discover some spiritual principles regarding Canaan, the first thing we find is that the land was not conquered, but simply taken in possession, as an inheritance. Nowhere in the book is the word conquest used; it only speaks of taking the inheritance, of receiving a possession. Israel never conquered anything; she received everything as an inheritance. So also is Christ, who was given to us by the Father as our inheritance.
A second principle is that God went before them, preparing the way, and the people went behind, picking up what God had already done. The people Israel faced were a frightened people; they were terrified and trembling. So too, the Lord Jesus has defeated all our enemies, and we go after him, claiming what he has already won.
A third principle is summarized in what Gilgal means. Gilgal was the center of operations as the people advanced to take possession. Gilgal speaks to us of the stripping away of the old man. Only one who has been broken, one who has been weakened almost to death, can overcome.
A fourth principle could be summarized as follows: we only receive what we have explored. The Lord said to Joshua: "I have given you every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon". The key is to walk through the land, to take possession of it. Then we say: "This is mine", "This is also mine". Scripture is the 'map' that guides us in this 'exploration' of Christ.
A fifth principle is an attitude of availability. Someone has said that the greatest men of God are not those who do the most, but the greatest receivers. God wants to give us Christ completely, but we are not always available; we are too busy.
God does not expect our contribution, but our availability. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. On this good earth, there are treasures that are available to spiritual treasure seekers, to those who have been drawn to Christ, who are available like Mary, who sat at the feet of Christ.
God invites us today, not to bring our money and try to buy one more portion of Christ, but to come to him, with our hands turned upward, to receive from the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. At the beginning of our race, we came to faith weary, and the Lord gave us rest. But perhaps today you are tired because you have tried to keep the law; without realizing it, you have slipped from faith to works.
There has to be a change of perspective; we have to come with our hands empty. What we have in them -our works, our righteousness, our methods- let's throw them away; they will never give us the victory. Christ is our precious inheritance... and free!