Day 205: Joshua 24

Joshua's Final Farewell

READ: Joshua 24

SUMMARY:
Maybe you enjoy history and would take the time to read books such as Paul Johnson's A History of the American People -- all 1088 pages of it! I love history, but I haven't tackled that book yet (although it is on my "to read someday" list). At this point in my life, I am much more likely to read a book with a title like "A Short History of America." Joshua, speaking to the people of Israel, condenses all we have read since Genesis 11 to a mere eleven verses. It's their own history. Just the highlights, but it is who they are. But is it about the Israelites? Not really. It's all about what God has done for this people since the day he spoke to Abraham and called him away from other gods to follow him.

Then Joshua issued a challenge to the people of Israel. "Now you put away those other gods, just like your father Abraham did, and serve the LORD, and only the LORD. You can't serve both, so choose one or the other today" (Katrina's paraphrase of verses 14-15).

The people made their decision. Their choice was the LORD. Joshua warned them of what would happen if they didn't follow through. They assured him of their commitment, and the covenant was made. Joshua put up a stone reminder for them.

The chapter concludes with the death of Joshua and his burial on his own land, the burial of Joseph's bones at Shechem (see Genesis 50:24-26 and Exodus 13:19), and the death of Eleazar the priest and his burial at Gibeah (his son's land).

REFLECTION/APPLICATION:
Here are some ideas of ways to respond to this chapter. I plan to do one or two of them today. Won't you join me?

• Take some time today to write down the highlights of your journey with the Lord. (Carol has suggested something like this before, but if you haven't done it yet, I highly recommend it!)
  
• Count the cost of a commitment to God. Make a list of what must be put aside or done away with in your own life, if you are going to choose to serve the Lord only.
• Make (or renew) a commitment to serve the Lord. Put it in writing and keep it in a place where you will see it often.
• Make a physical symbol of your commitment to God, a "witness stone."
• Write a summary of the life of Joshua, highlighting his faith and obedience.
  

PRAYER:

Lord, you are a holy and jealous God. I fail often, but I want to truly commit to serving you alone. Help me to count the cost of such a commitment and to follow through with it. Thank you for the death of Jesus on the cross which allows me to be yours, and for the Holy Spirit who is my helper in serving you. Amen.