It had been seven long and grueling years. It hadn’t been easy conquering the Promised Land… a land already inhabited by pagan nations. Israel was up against strong, big, and powerful fighters. For seven years, it was battle after battle, death disease, and dominating. Joshua had been a strong warrior and great leader… following God’s instructions to not deviate from the Book of the Law.
After seven years, the land was mostly conquered. The people had begun to build, put roots down, and make this land theirs. So, Joshua summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers to gather at Shechem (Joshua 24:1). Whole tribes had come together to hear what their fearless leader had to say. He was old and had run the race the well. He had some parting words for God’s people before he died.
He first reminded them what God had done for them… how He chose them from all the nations to be His, He rescued them from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, He protected them in the wilderness, and He gave them the upper hand in conquering the land. Then he looks at them and says… Now you must make a choice whom you will serve. Will you serve the foreign gods of your ancestors or the pagan gods of your neighbors? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. No wonder the people respected Joshua.
That question is still being asked today and each of us must choose whom we will serve. It’s a choice that no one can make but you and you alone. The people agreed that they too would serve the Lord. Then Joshua tells them that they must get rid of the idols if they want to do that.. idols that they had carried for generations. The same is true today… if you choose to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, then you must destroy all those idols… anything that’s taken center stage of your heart: maybe it’s people, affirmation, work, knowledge, business, ministry, food, money, exercise, healthy lifestyle. Now, don’t get me wrong… some of these things are good. We should be concerned with taking care of our bodies, but if we’re not careful, those things can become our gods.
Jesus delivered me and took my place on the cross, so I choose to live wholeheartedly for Him. I will ask Him what things I may need to let go of so that He is the ONLY One sitting on the throne of my heart. I pray this message spurs you on to wholehearted devotion.