A Choice Must be Made

A man who owned a large manufacturing company visited a great city church during a business trip. After the service he congratulated the minister on his service and sermon. “But,” said, “if you ... More

Choice

Joshua summoned a second great assembly at Shechem to confirm Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Shechem was a few miles northwest of Shiloh (v. 1). This was where God first promised Canaan to Abraham (Gen. 12:6-7), where Jacob built an altar and buried his family’s idols (Gen. 35:4), and where the Israelites went after they had completed the first phase of their conquest of Canaan. The Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai was not an ever­lasting covenant and therefore had to be renewed in every generation. In this meeting Joshua recounts the thrilling story of Israel’s crossing the river Jordan, her triumphant entrance into Canaan, her victories over stubborn foes and her occupation of the land. The purpose of this review is to drive home the fact of Israel’s total dependence upon the Lord. He refers to the Lord 21 times in this speech and the word serve 15 times. God gave them their land and would bless them in their land if they loved Him and served Him. Dependence is what every believer is forced to acknowledge. What we are and have by God’s grace we owe to Him.  

Joshua boldly challenged the people to choose between the gods of Ur which their ancestors worshiped, the gods of Egypt, the gods of the Amorites or the true God Jehovah. Then he assured them that whatever their choice, his mind was made up and his course was clear: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15). The people responded with an answer from their head. “We will serve the Lord” (v. 16). Their reasoning was simple. The Lord has saved their fathers from slavery in Egypt (v. 17a), He had led them through the wilderness (v. 17b), and He had defeated their enemies, giving them the land (v. 18). Of course, they would serve the Lord …

Application

I coveted many years ago with my family that we were going to serve the Lord regardless of what others do. I just need to keep this covenant current.

Joshua 24:1-18 (English Standard Version)


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