Mar 29 (Daily reading: Joshua 22-24) At the end of Joshua’s time of leading Israel, he challenged the people. In verses 2-13, God spoke in first person through Joshua. He reminded them of all that He had done for them in the past. The message: we can trust God for the present and the future because He has been faithful in the past!
Joshua then said, “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth” (“therefore” means that God’s past blessings should determine Israel’s future actions). “Do away with the gods which your fathers served…and serve the LORD” (24:14). He acknowledged they had a choice in whom they would serve, but he gave a clear testimony for himself: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (24:15). The people followed his example and declared: “We also will serve the LORD, for He is our God” (24:18).
Here is a quote from Franklin Graham: “The U.S. Senate is discussing a very dangerous piece of legislation—the Equality Act. The message to the church from certain influential, high-level people in government is loud and clear: Fully embrace the sexual revolution and redefine marriage and gender—or else! The Equality Act is moving our nation in a direction that elevates government above God. They want to make the moral decisions, usurping His authority.”
We are living in a time when we may be forced to choose whom we will serve, and attempts may be made to cancel our testimony. May we stand firm like Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” May God use our testimony to encourage others to also stand firm! “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:10-11).
– Al Gary
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