In 1997, when Tex was first inspired with the message that became the foundation for his book, The Joshua Generation, he was asked to speak to the Florida International University chapter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. At that time, Gary was the group's sponsor.
After hearing the message about the Joshua Generation, the group was so inspired that they adopted The Joshua Generation as their theme for that year. Gary designed a t-shirt for them to wear to share the theme with the campus. The black line artwork on that shirt became the basis for the cover of the book, which was rendered as a color oil painting by Tex's wife Linda (with Gary's permission.)
There is a great deal of symbolism in the picture, and everyone that looks at it sees different things. Look, for example, at the water that seems to flow like tears from Joshua's face. Since Joshua is symbolically representative of Jesus, the water can also be the rivers of living (moving) water that He said would flow from Him.
The desert, of course, speaks of the desert experience of the Israelites, but also of the desert experience of the modern church. The sun rising over the desert symbolizes the eternal promise of God for the church: "Joy comes in the morning." Like there was a new beginning for the nation of Israel after their years in the desert, there will also be a new beginning for our church today!
The sun also portrays our true "Son:" Jesus, the Son of God, who will rise with healing in His wings and whose rising already made all things new for us.
What do you see in the picture?
I challenge you to think about why Joshua has only half a face!
