16Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!
17It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents 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.
18And 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."
- P150
19Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.
- P150
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"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. - P150
23"Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel."
24And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the Lord our God and obey him."
- P151
Joshua urges Israel to fear and serve the Lord. He challenges them to choosewhom they will serve and declares that he and his household will serve theLord. The people respond that they will serve the Lord, recalling His deliver-ance and protection. Joshua warns of the consequences of forsaking the Lord,
and the people affirm their commitment to serve Him. - P151
As Joshua continues his final speech to the tribes of Israel, he reaffirms the people’s covenant with God and calls them to choose whom they will serve: God or the competing idols in the region. Joshua understands the temptations they face, but regardless of what each person decides, Joshua proclaims that he and his family will serve the one true God who has been faithful to Israel since the very beginning. - P152
Like Joshua, let our households set the example for others in choosing the Lord, faithfully serving the One who has been faithful to us. - P152
May we remember how God saved each of us and remain committed to Him, refusing to abandon the One who will never abandon us. - P152
As Joshua speaks with the people about their commitment to God, hemakes a shocking statement: Israel is not able to serve God, and He willnot forgive their rebellion and sins. At first glance, this negative declarationseems to contradict Joshua‘sa few versesing God solely by their owonate call to the people justprior. However, the message is clear: The Israelites are not capable of obey-will, and they will not be forgiven when theyallow their sins to persist and grow. - P152
We are blessed because we can seek thedivine grace of forgiveness that is extended through the righteousness ofChrist. Let us recognize the holiness and jealousy of God, and repent of ourhabitual sins, determined to tolerate them no more. - P152
Heavenly Father, You are holy and rightfully jealous as no idol is worthy of competing with You for my love. I now reject all idols and repent of my persistent sins. I desire to live in Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P153
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