Reading: Joshua 24:1-28 The Covenant Renewed

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

Joshua had set the cities of refuge, the two and the half tribes had settled on the East of Jordan and the lands distributed to all the remaining tribes. The aged Joshua now reminded them of God's faithfulness and set to renew the Covenant, "the Lord your God has fought for them and that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!" (Joshua 24:14)

He knew while settling down in Canaan there will be conflicts, influences of the heathens and the temptation to compromise. He thus called upon their responsibility is to keep God's command, to complete the conquest of the land yet to be occupied and for a decision of choice in serving God.

The choice that confront them. Why would it be seem as evil to serve the Lord? Its what could be the attitudes they might have been harbouring. That serving God is troublesome, a burden, a weariness, and not a pleasure and delight. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with too many expectations and works to be done for the Lord? Do you feel weary of serving Him? The Israelites felt that way subtly. Falling short of serving out of love would be much of the flesh and make life frustrating.

God doesnt demand against our free will. He leaves the choice to His people. They could choose if they have found a better master, and whose service will be more pleasant and profitable. Could it be what their forefathers had or of the Amorites? Rhetorically theres none.

Here Joshua made his declaration clear as the head of his family. As for Joshua, and his family; he could and did speak for them. He would serve the Lord. He set as an example set for the Israelites to follow after.

Prayer: Father God, search my heart, my attitude that it is not one with contempt in serving You. I can never fathom the depth of Your love for me and my household. You are the only Creator and we are created to serve You through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

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