January 26 - Joshua 24:16-28

January 26 - Joshua 24:16-28

16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods, 17 for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” 22 Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.

The children of Israel commit to serve God and only God and talk about all He had done for them and how He has protected them and cared for their needs.  They sound like they are totally sold out to God with no thought of ever doing anything against their Lord.  Joshua warns them of what will happen if they sin and how God cannot tolerate sin.  They make a commitment to serve only God.

How often have you committed to serve onluu God and follow Him and be obedient?  How long does it last?  Why do we do that?

Heavenly Father, how often have I committed to follow only You to then turn and follow my own needs and selfish desires?  I am so grateful I live on this side of the cross and have Jesus to cover my sins.  I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to be in the days prior to have the Holy Spirit.  Thank You so much for making provisions for us and helping us have a counselor to guide us daily.

In Jesus name.

Amen!

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