part0041

Key Verse : "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served 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."

In Joshua 24:1-13, Joshua called together the elders, the leaders, the judges, the officials, and all the people so that he could review Israel's brief history with them. He began with Abraham's father, Terah, and said that he had been an idolator. He continued with Israel's captivity in Egypt, with their deliverance from that captivity, and with their subsequent deliverance from each of their enemies. He told them that the Lord had given them great victories over the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Moabites, and all the Canaanite nations, and he also pointed out that the Lord had protected them from Balaam when that prophet had tried to place a curse on them.

By sharing their history with them, Joshua wanted the people to see that the Lord had watched over them throughout their lives and also through all their difficulties. People sometimes have the tendancy to think that they are self-sufficient and that they do not need anything or anyone. But God is still on His throne, and He is still attending to human affairs. Even though His presence may not always be obvious to everyone at all times, He is still around and still looking after those that are trusting in Him. Psalm 86:15 says, "But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Joshua wanted to convey the Lord's faithfulness to the people so that he could challenge them to be faithful back.

In Joshua 24:14-31, he encouraged them to make their choice concerning God, and after they had done so, he reminded them that they would be witnesses against themselves if they ever went back on their words. Joshua set a good example by following the Lord, and he encouraged others to do the same.