A Word from Joshua 24

In today’s word from Joshua 24, the people of Israel were facing a new beginning. Behind them were many years of wandering in the wilderness and facing battles both physical and spiritual as they made a home for themselves in the Promised Land. But ahead of them was the opportunity and challenge of being obedient to God and receiving the gifts that He was so eager to give. And so, Joshua—who had led them into the Promised Land—basically “threw down the gauntlet,” in words that many of us are very familiar with:

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness,” Joshua said. “Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped…and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (24:14-15)

Of course, the people of Israel answered Joshua by saying, “We, too, will serve the Lord!” (v. 18) But if you know anything about the Big Story of the Bible, you’re probably aware that they didn’t exactly keep that promise. Which is kind of what brings me to my point.

You see, you and I are “facing a new beginning.” Granted it’s not quite as momentous as what the ancient Israelites faced. But behind us, we’ve got encounters with God’s goodness and provision. And in the week ahead of us, we’ve got the challenge and opportunity of being obedient. And like Joshua before us, I’m sure that we, too, are saying, “As for me and my house, we’ll serve the Lord.” And like so many before us, at times we’ll do that well, and at times we’ll do that poorly. But by remembering the story—and by making that pledge again—we set our feet on the path of faith and commitment that will help us to serve the Lord.

And so, may you and your house serve the Lord well! Today and every day. Amen.