These Bible verses (24:14-15) are where we find the famous statement of faith from Joshua when he says;
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Yes, Joshua clearly makes his choice without hesitation.
But, what about us?
Do we need to look more closely at the choices we make in life?
The Many Gods of Israel – Joshua Makes a Choice
During the time of this passage, many of the people of Israel possessed “gods” which they brought with them from Egypt. This is the context where Joshua makes his famous choice of serving the Lord.
The people coveted these false idols. The reasons are many. Some kept the gods as a part of their heritage. Some appeased them out of fear.
Still, some of the people actually worshiped them in hopes of bringing in good crops or prosperity for their families.
Whatever the reason, Joshua challenged them to give up these gods so they could focus on the one true God.
Making Decisions – Joshua 24:14-15
“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:14-15 NASB
Worship an Idol Made of Stone – Or the One True God?
Joshua called for a choice — the choice of worshiping the local or household gods, or the living God who had proven Himself time and time again.
God..
- Brought them out of bondage in Egypt.
- He protected them on the journey.
- And, He gave them the “land of milk and honey” just as He had promised.
God had been faithful to Israel. In return, He expected to be their one and only God.
What Do the 10 Commandments Say about Other Gods?
The first, and arguably the most important, of the commandments is about worshiping other gods.
Here is number one (Exodus 20:3-5) …
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
==> Read all ten commandments here.
Did you know all ten from memory? (Neither did I)
Our Choice to Worship
Okay, we’ve thrown stones at the Israelites for disobeying God and worshiping false idols.
But, what about us? Do we also worship things other than God?
There are plenty of things in today’s world to take our attention away from God, such as…
- Ourselves and all our vanity
- Material things such as cars, houses, money, electronic gadgets, etc.
- Emotional preferences such as sports, recreation, hobbies
- Career
- Power
- Sport and movie heroes who we place on a pedestal above all others
- on and on and on …
“But As For Me and My House..“
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”Joshua clearly stated that Israel “put away the gods” of their fathers – the false gods which brought their attention away from Him.
What will be your choice? Or mine?
Will we worship God; or some of the things listed above?
The choice is solely ours.
If you’ve made a choice to worship and follow God, be sure to talk to Him daily. Be “in the Word” as Pastor Randy says to Christians.
Ask for His strength to help you keep that promise.
God is always willing to help you and I when we reaffirm our decision.
So, let’s make the right choice.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 here.