Devotional: A Personal Choice

Joshua 24:14-15 The choices that we make are personal. We must consider the consequences of the choices that we make. In this passage of scripture Joshua is challenging the people of God to serve God in the next phase of their lives. Joshua succeeds Moses as leader of the Israelites and he leads them to victory in the conquest of the Promised Land. Having defeated the enemies of God they are in position to enjoy the blessings that God promises. However, enjoying God’s blessings are largely conditioned on their commitment to God in serving Him only as demonstrated by putting away the other gods in their possession and by obeying God’s commands. It is at this point that Joshua tells the people that they must make a choice. He says: Joshua says to the people, ‘“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’” (Jos. 24:15, NASB). The people have many gods to choose from to serve. Joshua will not choose for them. Their parent’s lifestyle is not a reason for them to serve other gods. They have to make a personal choice. Joshua knows that his choice will greatly influence those who live in his house. Prayer; Lord God, we thank you for allowing us to make a choice to serve you. You created us to make choices. We choose you because we love you just as you choose us because you love us. Amen.