Will you serve the Lord?

The last half of the book of Joshua holds some very important information on the boundary lines of the promised land, the tribes that possessed each section, and some important dialogue on the nation of Israel’s future. The most famous piece of dialogue found in Joshua is our topic of conversation today.

From Joshua 24, “…as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15b)

Christians love this statement.

Over the years, many Christian retail companies have placed Joshua’s statement on welcome mats, door knockers, mailboxes, and a wide variety of other house decor items. Full disclosure, our family bought in. My wife made a beautiful wall-mounted coat rack for our entryway with the phrase wood-burnt across the top. And I love it!

Unfortunately, most people admiring the decor are left believing that this is the entire verse or an all-encompassing statement. Many will never read the entire chapter, the entire paragraph, or even the entire verse that holds this bold statement.

Intrigued, aren’t you?

Perhaps you already opened that Bible app to start getting some context? That’s a great idea! Go ahead and do that if you have the time, or if you’d prefer to keep reading, I can help you out.

In the previous paragraph, Joshua has outlined all the great things that God has done to bring Israel back into their homeland. After all of that has been explained, we read the following (complete) statement:

“‘Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.’” (Joshua 24:14-15)

Joshua 24 is actually a great passage for any leader to study and follow when speaking to one’s followers. Check out this breakdown:

1. Remind the people of all the great things God has done. (24:1-13)
2. State what action should be followed; to fear and serve God, throwing away the practice and worship of other idols. (24:14)
3. Give the option to walk away and fully embrace the other desired idols. (24:15a)
4. State which path you and your household will follow. (24:15b)

How did the people respond?

Well, the challenge that Joshua laid down matched the character that Joshua had displayed throughout his time as leader of Israel. So, of course, his challenge had very positive results!

“Then the people answered, ‘Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.’” (Joshua 24:16-18)

This is an amazing dialogue between Joshua and the people of Israel. It’s a shame that all those welcome mats, door knockers and mailboxes couldn’t hold more text. It’s so important to note that stating one’s choice to follow God is powerful. And yet, how much more powerful is that statement, when matched with a historical re-cap of what God has done?

Moreover, the power found within the option for the people to walk away, but their response is to remain steadfast and resolute, choosing to follow the one true God.

One final thought.

I’d like to end with one last statement found in the closing of Joshua 24.

“Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.” (24:31)

For those of us who have read the entirety of Scripture, we know that Isreal had many more trials and failures ahead. However, clearly, from verse 31, they experienced a long healthy season after following Joshua’s leadership. Evidence that he was an amazing leader, and someone I am so looking forward to meeting when I reach heaven.