Read: Joshua 24 / Psalm 133
Verses chosen for meditation
Joshua 24: 13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’ 14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond 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.”
Reflect
Joshua had come to the tail end of his calling. In Chapter 1, he was called by God to be strong and courageous, abiding in the word of God and be used by God to possess the land of Canaan. After 23 chapters, we can see the glowing report of how Joshua stood sure and steadfast in obedience. As a result, many of the tribes and elders who followed his leadership stayed faithful to God. In this tail end of his calling, Joshua exhorted the people to stay faithful; committing himself and his entire household to serve God. He mentioned an important thing, that between serving God or other “gods”; it is always a choice. God loves us so He gave us options to choose. We want to remain faithful because we want to, not because we are forced to.
Relate
There are times when I thought the church can do well heeding the advice of Joshua the son of Nun. Let it be a choice to the people whether they want to follow God or not. Especially if they are of good age to decide. Let it be a choice, because at the end of the day, they are accountable to God. We cannot account for them; no matter how responsible we think we are.
Christian parents, sometimes, we feel that we have prayed and done so much and yet our child / children turn out to be so distant from the faith. Remember, this is a choice they have made. Yes, we feel sad; but we need not let guilt weigh us down so much that their decision stumble our own faith.
I know of parents who felt so guilty that they choose to follow the path of their children; just so to be “with them”. This is unnecessary and unwise. The least we can do is to show our children that our relationship with God is no child’s play. We persevere precisely because we believe. We want to grow in the faith all the more. Who knows, such role modeling could help them to make the decision to return.
For those who serve and lead, we do our excellent best as it is biblical to do so. However, we need not pander to the wishes and desires of people. Sometimes, as we seek to pander to these desires, we tire ourselves out. Or worse, we put others on the path of burnout. Sometimes we even give in to unreasonable requests which seem to put the faith in jeopardy, all in the name of “love”.
Sure, we can be accommodating when we need to. We should stay relevant to the needs of the people. However, there is a point, when people need to make the decision. Whether they want to truly follow God or not. We cannot force or use methods that go against the grain of Christianity. The end cannot justify ungodly means for the end will not come for those who resort to ungodly means.
This is Joshua’s message. As for him and his household, they chose God. What would we choose? Like Israel, we have seen how God blessed them. Gave them food which they did not plant. Land which they did not own. Cities which they did not build. If we are honest about it, we also receive the same grace from God. So put away the “other gods” in our lives. Stay sincere. Stay faithful.
Rest
God of Israel and all people. Strengthen our hearts to follow You all the days of our life. Even if our loved ones seem to be unresponsive or even reject You. Help us to persevere and be of good courage; for our relationship with You is born by a choice we made in His Name. It is not by chance. Neither can it be forced. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Jason
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