BIBLE READING: Joshua 22-24
The book of Joshua ends with a very poignant and clear challenge to the nation of Israel that still has meaning for us today. Joshua knows that the days ahead for the nation will be difficult. He knows that there will be those that will continue to look outside of God’s command because of selfishness. He knows that in the days ahead it will be easy for them to be so caught up with life that they forget the God that got them there. Maybe that is why towards the end of his life, he takes the last few chapters of the book that bears his name to speak to the leaders of the nation and renew their covenant with God. Then finally Joshua ends with a challenge that is just as important for us today as it was for them, “…choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15). In today’s hustle and bustle of life, sometimes we need that kind of directness when it comes to our faith. In fact, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take this verse and write it down and place it on your nightstand, bathroom mirror, refrigerator, coffee pot or set a reminder on your phone with your alarm, to remind us that each day we live is a choice. Today, is a day that we have an opportunity to either serve self or serve the Lord. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Then repeat the phrase, “…as for me and my house we will serve the LORD.”. In having that direct daily affirmation, just might help us stay on task.