Being
discerning and completely apprised of one’s situation is so needful. Why? It’s
because it will help us to make the right decision and then to move in the
right direction in life. Joshua had ably painted for the Israelites their whole
journey so far and how God had helped them to arrive at where they were. Here
in these closing verses, Joshua could sense that the critical moment had arrived.
He knew that it was the time to call for a response. It was the right time for the
people to consecrate themselves. So, right there at Shechem, he issued a very
compelling challenge in those closing moments. The people, on the other
hand, could also sense that it was time they should consecrate themselves to
the Lord. So, in verses 16-28, they heartily responded to the call and swore
their allegiance to God.
To
hear something needful is important, but it is more important to understand it
and know its implication. This is what happened to the people of Israel at this
point. They had heard attentively all that Joshua had said and could understand
the drift of his message. They could see how foolish it would be to serve other
gods when the one and only true God had been so gracious to them. It would be
incredulous if they still chose to serve other gods after all the things God
had done for them. Seeing that it was the goodness of God that had brought them
to where they were, they then voiced their resolve in verses 16-18. In one
unison voice, they declared their allegiance to God. Is the Lord our choice
today? If we have not automatically given Him our time, our talent, our love,
and attention, and our all, then our allegiance to Him will be called into
question. Where is God in the priority of our life?
In
Joshua 24:19-23. Joshua waived into his challenge a reminder of the
righteousness and holiness of God. It was to this holy and righteous God that
they had sworn their allegiance. He knew that knowing the true nature of God would
help them to stay true to their commitment and allegiance. He told them that if
they served Him with integrity, He would bless them. The opposite would also be
just as true. If they renege and turn to worship and serve other gods, they
would have to pay an inexplicable price. Precisely, because God is holy and
righteous, such that He will not tolerate our sin and irresponsible living.
Disobedience has consequences. Remember what the Apostle Paul has reminded us in
Galatians 6:7? If we sow to the wind, we will reap a whirlwind. But if we sow
to God, we will reap holiness and righteousness. We always reap what we sow.
To
help them remember their resolution, Joshua set up a memorial. It was a kind of
monument that would be a constant reminder to them of the commitment and pledge
they had made to God. Why have a monument in life? It is something to hold us
accountable. A monument will also keep us in check should we stray from the
pledge that we have made to God. It is good to keep some kinds of memento to
remind us of the promise we have made to God. Ever thought of having an
accountability partner? Someone who will keep us in check and ensure that we do
not stray from our commitment. Being in a small group of trusted people is a
good way to stay accountable. We all need trusted companions on our divine
journey who will hold us accountable to God. Find an accountability group or a
partner today! You will definitely be helped.
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