Choose this day whom you will serve

.... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15). This admonition from Joshua, just before his death, concluded his sermon. He had reminded Israel of all that the Lord had done, starting with how he had lead Abraham out of the idolatry of his father's house. He had reminded them of God's faithfulness in hearing them when they cried out to Him, how He had parted the waters of the Red sea and drown the horsemen of the Egyptians, how He had subdued their enemies on every side etc., etc. And now with this admonition, in light of all that the Lord had done, he calls them to put away idols, and choose whom thy will serve.

The response of the children of Israel, in light of all that the Lord had done was “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods” (verse 16ff). But their history, both before and after this confession, is not encouraging. Many of us have similar histories, as the tendency to flee to God when we are in trouble, and then forsake Him when things start to go well, attests. In fact the whole church is likely crying out at this time for deliverance from this virus, no doubt making similar promises of faithfulness if He will but deliver us. I was reminded yesterday of a previous blog post “Mercy and truth have met together” (April 16), and yes there is mercy, but He will not always strive with men (Genesis 6:3). There is an end to His patience, and the truth is that His judgement is delayed because of His desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). But what is also true is that “broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who find it” (Matthew 7:13). And if this crisis does not do it, what will?

There is an aspect of Joshua's declaration “As for me and my house” that sounds strange to the Western ear. I mean can we really choose, for example, for a rebellious son and include him in “my house?” It is true that the Lord is interested in household salvations. The Philippian Jailer's whole house was baptized (Acts 16:34). And Paul speaks of the believing spouse sanctifying the unbeliever and the children being holy (1 Corinthians 7:14). In any case, this verse from Joshua is one of the Scriptures many of us use when we are praying in faith for our loved ones who are not yet believers.

Father, Paul's admonition comes to mind that because of the tender mercies of our God that we present our bodies as living scarifies holy and acceptable to You as our reasonable service (Romans 12:1 NKJV). In light of all that You have done for us Lord, especially in sending Your Son to be our atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2), our living sacrifice is indeed only reasonable. Thank You Lord for Your patience with us (with me) in all our vacillations. I choose to serve You this morning Lord, give me Grace to do it, to stick to it,  and to do it with all my heart soul and strength in Jesus Name Amen