As for me

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”(Joshua 24:15 NASB). It comes down to a determined choice. 

Stating commitment to the Lord God is necessary. 

Otherwise, primary loyalties may return to previous idols. Or the gods of this present world.

History review

At the end of his life, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel together. 

He reviews their history. According to what “the Lord, the God of Israel says.” (Joshua 24:2)

God starts with Terah. Their ancestor who worshiped other gods.

But then comes his son. Abraham. Called by God. And from him? Isaac. Jacob. The twelve sons and their children. 

One sentence

Joshua talks about their deliverance out of Egypt. And through the Red Sea. 

Next, one simple sentence encapsulates their rebellion. The resistance, disobedience, and wandering. 

“Then you lived in the wilderness for many years” (Joshua 24:7)

After this, Joshua recounts their entry into the Promised Land. Battles won. By the hand of the Lord.

Question

He poses a question in the end. 

“Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live?” (Joshua 24:15)

Then Joshua makes his personal declaration of faith. 

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

Quick to respond

They are quick to respond. Several times. 

“We will serve the Lord our God.”

One problem with that. Guess what still needs to be done?

“All right then, destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord.”

Those idols

Tricky little detail. Those idols. 

Taking up space in the tent. Under the spreading tree. At the crossroads. Tucked in the household goods. Taken along for the ride. 

And always. Always. Tripping up the people of God. Their go-to, when they need something tangible to worship. 

To bring them good luck. To curse their enemy.

As for me

“As for me and my house….” 

Joshua warns them of consequences. Makes a covenant to get their commitment in writing. Sets up a stone under the terebinth tree. Beside the Tabernacle. 

Visual aid. Reminder of this declaration.

Even with all these attempts to shore up loyalty and commitment, their faith will wane. 

Their hearts, veer off course.

Taste and see

So, would you worship the gods of this world? 

Or deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus? (Luke 9:23)

Once we taste and see the way of the Savior, how can we go back?

There is no other name by which we may be saved and live life fully. Abundantly. Forever His. 

We surrender all. To the One and Only.

He has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

What about you?

What holds you back from complete surrender to God?

Related posts

Exhortation – Sorting memories – Remembrance – Borders – Everything – Stones in the river – Standing on gravestones – 

Joshua 24 – John 6:66-69 – Luke 9:23 –