Before Joshua’s death, he brings the elders and
leaders of Israel together and gives them a ‘charge’ –- an instruction, an
exhortation with authority -- that is found in Joshua chapters 23 and 24. In doing so, he reminds them of all that God is
and what He has done for them.
God, the covenant-keeping One, has:
- kept His promises – Joshua 23:14
- fought their battles – Joshua 23:9-10
- given them land, cities, and fruit to eat –- none of which they had worked for. Joshua 24:13 tells us they had not labored, built, or planted.
In
his charge to the leaders, Joshua also challenges them to:
- “ . . . cling to the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:8)
- “Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:11)
And
to remember:
- “ . . . that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. (Joshua 23:14b)
Finally,
Joshua reminds them that following God is a choice they have to willingly
make. In Egypt, their fathers had served
other gods (Joshua 24:14), but they must decide for themselves whom they would
follow and serve – “choose this day whom you will serve . . .” (Joshua 24:15)
The
words of Joshua ring true for us today. God is a covenant-keeper,
promise-keeper, defender, and blesser of those who choose to follow Him.
Who
will you
follow today?
John
3:16 says that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” If you have never
made a commitment to follow Christ, I pray that today would be the day. The
choice is yours! Will you confess Him as your Savior and follow Him as your
Master and Lord? He’s waiting with open arms!
Father,
thank You for always keeping your promises, for fighting our battles, and for
blessing us even when we’ve done nothing to deserve it. Most of all, thank You
for granting us salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.
