“But as for me and my household, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” Joshua.24:15

Joshua was born in Egypt as a slave child.He assisted Moses during the 40 years of wilderness journey.Always had complete faith in the power and faithfulness of God. After the death of Moses, God appointed him to lead Israelites to Canaan, to conquer the land and to divide it for them.He was a mighty military general who always obeyed the mighty God.

Just before his death at the age of 110, he called all the leaders of Israel to Shechem and is giving a farewell speech. He is helping them to make a covenant with God. He exhorted them to remain faithful to God.( Joshua.23:6-8). He reminded them about the faithfulness of God by giving a brief history of what the Lord has done for them.(Joshua.24:2-13)

Joshua exhorted them to “Throw away the god’s your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the LORD” Joshua.24:14.

After this Joshua is giving them an option to choose between the LORD and the god’s which their ancestors worshipped or the god’s of the people around. Then he declared that “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD”. Joshua.24:15. At this Israelites also declared that “We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.” Joshua.24:18. Joshua reminded them that “He is a Holy God, he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins”. Joshua.24:19. Finally he asked them “throw away the foreign god’s that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel”. Joshua.24:23.

Dear Friends,

Do we remember, how our great forefathers lived?
(Their Egyptian life- lack of proper education, job / income, food, housing or facilities….) Who brought us to this stage today?. ( Land flowing with milk and honey- everything in plenty. Modern education, job +income, modern housing with facilities, name, fame…..)

Are we thankful to God or going after other god’s- god of money, god of name and fame, god of luxuries…

Are we ready to throw away all such god’s from our life? Today can we declare with Joshua that “we will serve the Lord”? Do our household join us in this declaration?

What is our understanding of “serving the LORD”? Is it simply attending a church, giving some offerings + subscription or anything more than that?

LET US SERVE THE LORD BECAUSE HE IS OUR GOD.

Rev.C.V.Abraham.