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Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Joshua 24:15 (CSB): “But if it doesn’t please you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
Soon before Joshua’s death, he called for a meeting made up of all of Israel’s tribes and leaders. He had something to say before he died and he wanted to get it off his chest.
He had been used by the Lord to lead Israel to conquer the Promised Land. He had seen God do so many wonderful, even miraculous, things as they took the land that God had given them.
Shortly before his death, he demonstrated that he genuinely cared for God’s glory and Israel’s good. He reminded them of so much that God had done for them, and then he called them to commit to obeying the Lord. Judging by what he said in response to their affirmation, he wasn’t convinced they would genuinely follow the Lord. He believed that they would, sooner or later, fall away from the Lord and experience His discipline and judgment.
So, he drew a proverbial line in the sand. He made it clear that regardless of what the people of Israel did, he had already determined that he and his family were going to worship and serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 (CSB): “But if it doesn’t please you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD.”
Is your pursuit of holiness and service to Jesus more characterized by the resolve of Joshua? Or are you more akin to the empty words and intentions of the Israelites?
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to increase your resolve to worship and serve Him.
- Ask God to point out anything in your life that might be taking His place.
- Ask God to help you resolve to be an encouragement to others who observe you.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into the meaning of Joshua 24:15, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“What does ‘as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” mean in Joshua 24:15?'”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 