In what ways can we serve the Lord as Israel did in Joshua 24:17? Our Starting Point: Israel’s Testimony “ ‘For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery, and performed these great signs in our sight. He protected us on every side during our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.’ ” (Joshua 24:17) Recognize Our Salvation and Deliverance • Just as Israel looked back to the Exodus, we remember Jesus’ cross and empty tomb. • “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13) • Daily thank Him for pulling you out of sin’s bondage. Remember His Guiding Presence • Israel recalled God’s protection “on every side.” • We have the Spirit leading us (John 16:13). • Keep a journal of answered prayers and providences to stay mindful of His hand. Reject All Rival Gods • Joshua 24 contrasts serving the LORD with serving foreign gods. • Modern idols—career, comfort, self—must be cast down (1 John 5:21). • Regularly evaluate your priorities: does anything outrank obedience to Christ? Express Gratitude through Worship • Israel’s declaration was an act of public praise. • “Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6) • Corporate gathering and private devotion both declare His worth. Obey His Word Daily • Service is more than sentiment; it is submission. • “Now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 10:12) • Read, meditate, and put Scripture into action every day. Bear Witness to His Works • Israel’s story proclaimed God’s greatness to surrounding nations. • We too “declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:3) • Share personal testimonies and the gospel message wherever the Lord places you. Serve Together as a Covenant Community • The declaration in Joshua 24 was collective: “we” will serve. • Engage in church life—mutual encouragement, accountability, and shared mission (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Spiritual gifts blossom in community (1 Peter 4:10). Pass the Faith to the Next Generation • Israel rehearsed God’s acts so children would know (Exodus 12:26-27). • “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) • Model, teach, and celebrate God’s faithfulness at home. Persevere in Faithful Distinctiveness • Their journey involved hostile nations; ours does too (John 17:14-16). • “Let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) • Continual trust and refusal to compromise signal true service. By remembering His deliverance, rejecting all rivals, obeying His word, worshiping wholeheartedly, witnessing boldly, serving in unity, discipling the next generation, and persevering with endurance, we echo Israel’s declaration: “We too will serve the LORD, for He is our God.” |
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