Daily Devotion, August 8, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Joshua 24:14-25.

The title given for Joshua 24 in The Message Translation is “The Covenant at Shechem”. The tribes of Israel have been in the Promised Land for a while. The people have begun adapting to their surroundings and conforming to the ways of the people around them.

Joshua challenges the people to renew their covenant with God. Joshua is calling the people to a decision and commitment in verses 14-15, “Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

Joshua lives out this covenant relationship with God throughout his lifetime right up until the day he died (verse 31). He lived in service unto the Lord all the days of his life.

I heard a preacher say, “To choose to serve God is a choice we make every day!” To choose to serve God every day is also remembering all God has done for us along life’s journey. We have the opportunity to choose today and everyday whom we will serve. Joshua’s instructions called the people to let go of the gods of their former lands and their ancestors.

We too, must examine that which calls our loyalty away from God. It may not be the little statues of the Old Testament, but examining where our time, money and energy go can open our eyes to the little gods which we have allowed to shift our loyalties away from the Living God.

The beautiful part of this lifetime journey and covenant of faith is that growth is possible at every age. As we acknowledge God’s love and faithfulness unto us, we in turn grow in our love and faithfulness unto God. And as our love for God grows, God’s love leads us to love others more than we love ourselves. This creates the covenantal community of people called to help others along their life’s journey.

Personal Worship Option:

Let us hear Joshua’s call again. “Choose today whom you will serve.” Help me O Lord, to keep my covenant to be faithful in service unto you. Amen.