Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-25
Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.
Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him throughout the Canaan. and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau.
Now fear the Lord and serve him with faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 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.”
A Thought
Joshua, chosen by God led the Israelites into the promised land, now assembles the people and gives his final message from God before his death. Joshua reminds the people of the faithfulness of God to their forefathers and that they must leave behind all other gods–only fear the Lord God and to be faithful to serve him. They must choose this day whom they will serve–other gods or that they will serve the Lord. This is the same question we all must answer for ourselves. Will we serve the many gods of this world or will we serve the true and living God?
A Prayer
Father thank you for giving each of us the choice of whom we will serve. As for me and my house, we choose your grace and mercy to serve you. Help us to be faithful to serve you and others everyday as you are always faithful to your word. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
