Choose

“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.” ~ Joshua 24:15

It is the end of Joshua’s life. The man who stands before the people of God at Shechem (Joshua 24:1) has seen a lot in his life. He walked out of Egypt and captivity when Moses was a brand new leader for Israel. He has seen the plagues and God’s power over Pharaoh. He has walked the dry ground on the Red Sea. Joshua has stood at Mt. Sinai and wandered in the wilderness. He has called his people to see God’s might and power while supporting the leadership of Moses through grumbling, complaining, and rebellion. He has been appointed by God to be the successor to Moses and to lead the people of Israel in conquest over the land of Canaan. He has been a servant, soldier, spy, and leader. He has watched Jericho’s walls fall and experienced both victory and defeat on the field of battle. Yes, Joshua has seen a lot in his life. Most of all, Joshua has seen God.

In every moment, Joshua makes a choice. The choice to watch where God is moving and what God is doing. Joshua has led the people and been instrumental in helping to settle the land of Canaan. And every step, every instruction, has come from God. Joshua serves the Lord.

Now, at the end of his life, Joshua stands before Israel and calls them to make a choice about the future. He recounts some of the past, but it is the future that is on his mind. Make a choice. Will you serve God or will you follow the world? Joshua knows who he has chosen.
The Book of Joshua teaches us to choose God. When life is good, when life is hard. When we are on top, and when we are on bottom. God’s people choose God.