76 JOSHUA F O O T ================================
- H O L D
READING
76 JOSHUA’S FINAL CHALLENGE
PRAY Challenge me through the Scriptures, Lord God.
READ Joshua 24:1-28.
THINK What is the sin above all others that Joshua warned against?
FOCUS Joshua was about to die (29). Addressing the assembled Israelites he looked back over their past, dealt with the present and looked into the future. THE PAST (1-13). God called their ancestors (2,3), gave them leaders (5,6) and provided for their needs (13). Through all their wanderings in the desert God cared for them. Their homes and their food were not the result of their own work; they were God’s good gifts. And, although it may not be quite so obvious, that is still true today. THE PRESENT (14-24). Joshua challenged the Israelites to total allegiance. They were to ‘fear’ God (14) – this does not mean being ‘afraid’ in the ordinary sense of the word, it does mean respecting, putting first, honouring, taking seriously. They were also to ‘serve’ him (14) – if we really belong to God, we will want to serve him; to do things for him, and for other people in his name. But since God is love, and desires his people to love him, their devotion to him must be freely given. ‘Choose!’ says Joshua. THE FUTURE (25-28). Joshua encouraged the people to remain faithful and gave them practical reminders of their faith. What were they (25-27)? Finally he sent the people away. Joshua had throughout his long life involved his people in the works of God. What remain must be up to the individual – to gain through faithfulness, or to lose by disobedience and neglect. The choice is theirs – and ours in our time. —————————————————————- PRAY Tell God that you want always to remain faithful to him. Ask for grace to persist.