The Well-Known Old Testament Hero: Joshua

No one will be able to stand up 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.
Joshua 1:5

The name "Jesus" is a Greek writing of the Hebrew name "Joshua" ("Yeshua" in Hebrew. "Iesous" in Greek.)

1. "Yeshua" is the captain of the LORD's army who fights on behalf of the people and achieves victory for them. Josh. 5:13-15, Rev.19:11-16

2. "Yeshua" is the divine warrior who brings judgment to the LORD's enemies.

3. Joshua conquers Canaan (physical land) for God's people and gives the OT people the picture of a greater reality. One day a more powerful "Yeshua" would come and conquer far greater enemies: Sin and Death.

The Unlikely Hero: Rahab

1. A prostitute in the Canaanite town of Jericho.

2. 2 Israelite spies end up at Rahab's "job site" to hide from the enemy.

3. Rahab had heard the story about Israel's God and now believed.

   We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
   Joshua 2:10-11

4. Rahab sees the battle line drawn and becomes convinced that all opposition to the Almighty God would be in vain.

5. Rahab (the Canaanite Prostitute) becomes a follower of the LORD.

   Where there is deliverance, the LORD gives a sign. (Joshua 2:12)

• Red chord
• Circumcision
• OT Passover
• Ark of Covenant
• Baptism
• Lord's Supper
• The surest sign of deliverance...the LORD himself! (Isaiah 7:14)

Connecting all the dots: Rahab is King David's Great-Great Grandmother in the line of Jesus' family tree!

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab [READ: non-Jewish Canaanite prostitute], Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth [READ: non-Jewish Moabite woman], Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. Matthew 1:5-6

Unlikely Hero Then: Rahab. Unlikely Hero Now: You.