Joshua 24
ScriptureJoshua 24:1515 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”ObservationAs Joshua comes upon the end of his life and reign, he wants to ensure he leaves the people of Israel in a good state – in the most important aspect of their lives, their spirituality. So, he has called an assembly of the leadership to 1) recount all the things God has done for them, 2) challenges them to serve God and, perhaps the most important, 3) to dutifully choose for themselves how they will proceed – to serve God or the gods of their ancestors.UnderstandingI love how this chapter shows Joshua’s heart for the people of Israel…which I believe is a reflection of God’s heart for His people. Joshua truly desires to see the people of Israel love, follow and serve God. BUT he doesn’t seek to accomplish that with force…He truly desires for them to CHOOSE God. He appeals to their intelligence, their emotion (surrounding what God has done for them in the past) and their freewill. And, while he shares His choice, it’s clear he does not want them to follow his footsteps…but to make a decision that they can and will stand firm in long after Joshua is gone. God is the same…he desires relationship with us, but as I always say “God is a gentleman.” He’ll never force His way into our hearts. He created us with freewill with a desire for us to choose Him wholeheartedly. He doesn’t want us to be “lukewarm” in our faith. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Matthew 12:30So, just like Joshua asks the Israelites, we are asked…who will we serve? Will we stand with God or against Him? Will we choose Him wholeheartedly, or wander through our faith in a lukewarm fashion? The choice is ours.Life ApplicationFather God, thank you for the gift of freewill. May we CHOOSE you, LOVE you and FOLLOW you with all of our hearts. May we seek to know you and make you known. May our hearts be so grounded in you that it draws others to your peace, your love, your grace. Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei