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Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: "Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region 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." Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God."
Change is never easy; it is the hardest thing for many, especially among the people of God's church. But it is the necessary ingredient in many a story of challenge and opportunity in which God opens doors for God's people in many a biblical story. This is the closing chapter of the Exodus as God leads His people into the Promised Land with Joshua at the lead. Joshua had taken over for Moses and was the one to lead them into Canaan and at this solemn assembly, the challenge is to put away false gods. "Leave behind the distractions and beliefs from your old days in your old neighborhood; they serve no purpose because it was all a lie - The call is to serve the living God and do it sincerely and faithfully." Joshua goes on to say, "The choice is ours - you can still serve the gods of your ancestors," and here comes the classic line that decorates many a kitchen or entryway into many a home: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
In a moment inspired by Joshua's example and remembrance to all God had done during their 40 year trek through the desert they all declare they will serve the Lord God, and claim Him as their only God. It becomes that which will set the tone for what still lay ahead. The people of Canaan were not about to lovingly and openly give the people of Israel their land and possessions; they were not in tune with what God had promised to them and it would be the start of a war that has lasted to this day, much like the war between those who follow God and those who serve God's enemy - that is a spiritual war that ends only when we choose to serve the living God and He alone. It is our choice and I pray we make the wise choice of faithfulness and service.
PRAYER: Loving God may it be true as Joshua declared, that as for me and my household, we will serve You. Help us to not be tempted away nor shortchange what You have and will do in our lives. Help us to be the change agents that will bring change into the lives of others. This we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
