14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;
Joshua 24:14-16 (KJV)
Complacency is a state in which they might feel that they could let down their guard just a little.
A Time of Contemplation (Reflection)
Joshua asks them to contemplate:
- God’s power in their lives (verses 1-12)
- God’s presence in their lives (verses 1-12)
- God’s provisions in their lives (verse 13)
A Time of Confrontation
- Confronted by a command (verse 14)
This is a command that god’s people need to take heed to today! We need to:- Fear the Lord
That is, we need to reverence and honour Him for Who He is. - Put away our other gods
All those things in our lives that come ahead of the Lord need to be put away forever. - Serve the Lord with sincerity
The word “serve” means to fulfil the role of a slave. We are his possessions and should live as such. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) The word “sincerity” means wholeheartedly, completely, with integrity. (Joshua 24:14) The English word “sincere” comes from two Latin words which mean without wax.
- Fear the Lord
- Confronted by a choice (verse 15a)
Illustration: The people Elijah confronted on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18:21. - Confronted by a challenge (verse 15b)
Illustration: Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17)
A Time of Consecration
- The resolve of the people (verses 16-18)
- A reminder to the people (verses 19-23, Galatians 6:7)
- The reaction of the people (verses 24-28)
Don’t you think that it is time to make up your mind? If the Lord be God, then serve Him. If He is not, then go ahead and serve whatever has your heart.