Before Joshua died, he called all the people of Israel together and did two things.
First, Joshua reminded them of all God had done for them . . . brought out of Egypt as a free people . . . the “ites” victories they did not win in their own power and strength . . . the land, cities . . . vineyards and olive groves they did not plant!
Second, Joshua challenged them . . . “honor the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly . . . serve the Lord alone. BUT, if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve . . . as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (vs. 14-15)
The people responded that they would serve the Lord. Joshua said, “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy and jealous God . . .”
But the people said, “We are determined to serve the Lord!”
Joshua told the Israelites that they are “accountable for their decision to serve the Lord . . . and he made a covenant with the people, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and the Lord.” (vs. 22, 25)
Does the peoples’ response sound familiar to you? In what areas of our lives have we said, “I am determined . . . ” but not followed through? I am so thankful that we serve a God of second and third and fourth chances!
Joshua not only said, “As for me and my household,” but he led and influenced his family to also choose to serve the Lord.
Many of us have tried and found out that we cannot make anyone in our family choose to serve the Lord! But, I believe, like Joshua, that we can create an environment for our family to make the right choice! We must be sold out to God at home . . . not just on Sunday . . . but 24/7, 365 days year . . . walking the talk and filling our home with the presence of God through prayer and worship!
A Godly heritage in our family can begin with us . . . with our generation! Regardless of those around us who do not believe, let’s choose this day whom we will serve and love God with all our heart, creating an environment in which God can work!
1 comment:
That is so good. Caleb and his family certainly did set the example of serving the Lord. The exchange between his daughter and him, as well as the raising up of his nephew -- examples of hearts to seek all God had for them and of serving the Lord, even within their family clan and unit.
Those times when Caleb told the people "You will not be able to serve the Lord" ... those took me aback for a moment when i read them. Was he just trying to stomp down their faith? What kind of a leader was he? But in reality, perhaps he was doing one or both of two things?....
1) Fanning the flames of their faith and determination to covenant with God
2) But perhaps he was just stating the facts. "You can't do it because God is holy and jealous." And that is so true -- of any human outside of the power of God. I feel truly blessed to be living in a time when Jesus has been to earth, completed His work and sent the Holy Spirit. How much harder it must have been for God's people during Joshua's time to uphold their covenant with God without having the work of the cross completed in their lives and the power of the Holy Spirit daily flowing within them.
I know i'd have to have had a HUGE flock of lambs or goats or birds to keep up with all the sacrifices for my sins! It's enough now as it is, the times i ask for the Lord's forgiveness, let alone trying to make a go of it without the Cross and the Holy Spirit!
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