Joshua chapter 24!!!
Praise the Lord we have completed our sixth book of the Bible!!!!! It feels good knowing that we have kept moving forward with God's Word.
In this last chapter Joshua speaks again to all the leaders and challenges them in three areas:
- To remember all that God had done for them.
- Fear God
- Get rid of all their gods.
- Choose who they will serve: God or god's!
So, for me,
- I remember God doing great things at camp so I will trust Him to meet our needs this year. The biggest need is finding staff.
- I want to get rid of all my god's/obstacles that interfere with my relationship with God.
- I choose to serve the Lord!
While we read about the death of Joshua and Eleazar, I think that the book of Joshua also closes in a positive way because we see the following words in verse 31.
“Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the Lord did for Israel.”
Israel had made the right choice. May we also make the right choice.
I’m reminded of Psalm 100:2.
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
At 110 years old, Joshua was still saying “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” We can’t just talk the talk, we need to walk the walk. We need to clear out all the idols of the heart! The older and more tired we get, is the time to wait upon the Lord, to learn about Him, to spend time with Him. As we do, we will mount up with wings of eagles, we’ll run and not be weary, we’ll walk and not be faint. Because when our souls are tired, He’ll renew our strength. (Isaiah 40:31) Thank you, Lord!
Joshua placed a large stone to be a witness for the people to hold their promise to only serve the Lord. I still struggle often with things that I give more time to than the time I spend and devote to God, but one thing I have done in our home is display crosses and decorations that have messages like, “in the morning when I rise give me Jesus” and “love one another as I have loved you” John 13 3-4.
These items in my home help me to put God in the forefront of my mind and think twice when navigating my day. I am so thankful to learn from wise people in the Bible like Joshua, and I am so thankful for our loving and forgiving God!