Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua part 23—Whom will you Choose?
As we come to the final chapter of the book of Joshua and the final chapter of Joshua’s life, we once more note that Joshua takes the people back through memories lane. This time he reminds them that even before the flood man’s road to destruction was always mankind’s chasing after “other gods”. He showcases this against the backdrop of God’s great faithfulness to draw out a people to himself. Despite their frailties and bumbling faith at times, as a nation God did protect them, guide them, and through great and mighty miracles had given them the land He had promised. Let us look at Joshua’s next statement from God.
Joshua 24:(NIV) “13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’I must say that the same is true of my life and for the life of each Christian.
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Despite all the philosophies that surround us and all the centuries of mankind’s seeking after self-exalting “gods”; there has been preserved a remnant of true believers. Because of all those who have been willing to lay down their lives to continue to spread the gospel and those who at whatever cost swore to serve the one true and living God, I was blessed with the chance to hear the gospel. All that is true and good in my life has been a glorious blessing from God.
Knowing this, why would I ever desire other “gods” in my life.
Remember this anything that holds our heart more than God has become a “god” in our life. Anything that we seek after or desire more than God becomes a “god” to us. So, we must as the people of Israel choose today; “whom will I serve.” Joshua 24: (NIV)14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates 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 ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24 (NIV): 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the Lord….23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
What foreign gods have you allowed into your life that you need to throw away? Do you seek after money, fame, possessions, entertainment, success, popularity, pride or self-exaltation more than you seek after God? What takes up your time and your energy? So, the question comes once more, “whom will you serve?”.
Can you sing like Colton Dixon, “More of You” and less of me?
New International Version(NIV)
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© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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