15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, 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 24:15 NIV)
Joshua had served the Lord faithfully, but his time on earth was drawing to a close. He was 110 years old when he died, but before he died Joshua assembled all of the people together at Shechem one final time. Joshua had something to say. What did he say? What was on his mind? Joshua reviewed the past and the faithfulness of God from the time He had called Abraham, through 400 years of slavery, and up to the time He delivered them and gave them a new homeland.
In all that Joshua had to say he never mentioned the unfaithfulness of God’s people, but we know the story. When Joshua finished his review of God’s faithfulness he turned to issue a challenge to the people. He said,
14 “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. (Joshua 24:14 NIV)
Evidently the people were still clinging to the gods of their ancestors. We can read those words and think to ourselves, “How could they?” Maybe the better question is, “How could we?” We may not hold onto the “gods” of our ancestors, but we certainly cling to things other than God don’t we? Sure we do. With all that God has done for us doesn’t it make sense to get rid of everything that would distract us, take us away from serving Him?
I love the passion and fire in the old man Joshua. At 110 years of age, Joshua was living in the now, he wasn’t finished; he wouldn’t retire until he drew his last breath. Joshua drew a line in the sand and took his stand. Listen to the old man.
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, 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 24:15 NIV)
Joshua took his stand. “I don’t know what you are going to do, but I’m going to serve the Lord.” Our society is changing, rapidly changing, but that is irrelevant. The question is, “What will you do? What will I do?” I’m taking my stand. Until my dying day I will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15