At the end of his life, Joshua addressed the nation of Israel following years of hardship, challenge, victory and finally, rest. Joshua drove home an fundamental decision lying before them (Joshua 24).
Choose whom you will serve. Choose the old gods of Egypt, or the gods of this new land, in fact, chose whatever gods you wish. But Joshua declared, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Who I serve is my choice. God doesn’t force me to serve him. In fact, I’m free to devote myself to any of the gods surrounding me, those more flashy or expedient or lucrative. What’s obvious is that I will choose to serve some type of controlling gods throughout my life.
Joshua’s challenge draws a line in the sand, it demands words spoken out loud. Choose this day whom you will serve. If the Lord appears undesirable to you, other gods jostle at the door. It’s up to you.
Choose wisely.
Personally, I join Joshua, in declaring that for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover
Photo by Matt Donders
Just like Joshua I am wondering in this day of mass media, that as Christian men should we ready and willing to make the same statement as a oath for all to see.
I think so. People pledge themselves to all sorts of ungodly things, so I think Christian men saying “As for me and my house, we serve the Lord,” is more than appropriate, it’s much needed.