How Do I Respond?
Scripture:
Joshua 24
14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!
23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
Observation:
I have read this passage a few times in my life. I am very familiar with the phrase, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” The people were clearly being reminded of their covenant relationship with God. There was no serving God half way. He brought them so far and dealt with the previous generation severely for a good purpose. They had not arrived at a resting place spiritually. There was still much to do and generations to continue carrying on the legacy as “God’s people.” This required great faithfulness. God is faithful his people are not. But what can be learned from this?
1 Corinthians 10:6 “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
Application:
Will I learn from their example? Am I all talk yet filled with a continual disobedience and lust for sin? Am I willing to completely cast off idolatry?
Prayer:
Lord, you have saved me by your grace and good pleasure. I am walking in light because you rescued me from darkness. What is it you want to accomplish in my life. How can I walk with confidence like Joshua? Examine my heart and lead me in your everlasting ways. I don’t want to be led to your promises only to reject them for wickedness. Give me strength today and tomorrow to finish the race set before me.
