Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (NRSV)
Read Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 24Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. Verse 2And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors-Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor-lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Verse 14"Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
Verse 15Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region 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." Verse 16Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; Verse 17for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; Verse 18and 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."
Devotion
“... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
These words rest on plaques in many entryways. They greet guests, and they remind the household of whom they are to serve. It’s like the cross in my pocket or the fish adorning the car in front of me – all symbols strategically placed to cause me to pause and reflect on living life in the presence of God.
But sometimes these symbols make me nervous. How many people have visited my home, seen the greeting and wondered why it was hanging there in the first place? How many cars have I driven behind with fish signs dangling off the bumper and road rage behind the wheel? At least the cross in my pocket is hidden when Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde – or should I say saint and sinner – rear their ugly heads.
“Choose this day whom you will serve?” I think the plaque should stay right where it is.
Prayer
Merciful God, fill my world with reminders of your presence and your will for my life. Direct me and shape me for service to you. Amen.