- As shared by Rev Don Schink, (C) 2005
14
"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the
gods you14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all
faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River
and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems
undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the
Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will
serve the LORD."
People are so fickle.
One day we’re flying high and it seems as though nothing can faze
us. We can conquer giants. Then before we know it, we’re devastated by
situations that might seem rather trivial at other times, but when they’re
bugging us, they definitely affect us unless we take a proper stand to overcome
whatever concerns might be pulling us down.
That old human nature can do us that way if left to itself. It was the same in Joshua’s day.
Matthew Henry comments on
this Scripture, “Joshua
spoke to them in God's name, and as from him. His sermon consists of doctrine
and application. The doctrinal part is a history of the great things God had
done for his people, and for their fathers before them. The application of this
history of God's mercies to them, is an exhortation to fear and serve God, in
gratitude for his flavor, and that it might be continued. (Jos 24:15-28)”
So, Joshua had just spoken about how God has been taking care of His people in so many precious ways. In quoting the Lord God, Joshua relates that God had delivered them and guided and protected them over and over again. In fact, He had done so to such an extent that there should be no question in any sensible person’s heart and mind that God’s hand of deliverance was upon them. So Joshua admonished them to “fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.” This is an admonition to reverence, respect and to serve the Lord for Whom He is.
Joshua’s own determination
comes through loud and clear as he states, “But as for
me and my household, we will serve the LORD." The people had been exposed to
the false gods due to former influences before their deliverance and were
familiar with many around them that served many other things other than the one
living true God. But now they had the
chance for a new beginning. Joshua sets
the example for them, as well as for you and me, today. In it, we see a determination that says that
if everyone around him chose to do otherwise, they would not influence
him. In fact, hopefully, it would be
just the opposite. What about you? As for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord? You?
Please note:
You are welcome to share this Bible study in your local churches, but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!
With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,
Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist
Sonlight Ministries
Tijeras, NM
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