Making The Right Choice
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Joshua 24:1-33 and Psalm 22 (NIV)
(Madeleine Foo, SGM Zone Leader)
READ:
Joshua 24:1-33 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In his last address to the Israelites, Joshua recounted for them the history of the Hebrews and how the Lord had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, led them through the wandering years in the desert, provided for them and kept the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to give their descendants rest in the Promised Land.
The Lord gave them the land on which they did not toil, they lived in cities they did not build, and ate from vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant (V13).
Joshua urged them to make the right choice to be faithful, obedient and follow the true God of Israel.
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord” (V14).
“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” (V15).
As a true leader, Joshua set the example for the people. He had served the Lord in his youth, he had been serving the Lord since Moses passed the baton to him, and he would continue to serve the Lord.
The people responded unanimously that they would serve the Lord. This they did during the lifetime of Joshua and the elders of Joshua’s generation.
APPLY:
We are all leaders in our sphere of influence – in our family, school, workplace, etc. It is important to lead by good example just as Joshua did for the spiritual well-being of his own family and the nation.
Making the right spiritual choice has eternal consequences. When my time on earth is done, what is my destiny?
The answer is with Jesus who says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the one to follow and the one who deserves our worship.
DO:
I must be willing to surrender my own self-will, my own self-interest and my future into the Creator God’s hand, for He has only the best intention and plan for me as a child of God.
When the going is good, I must remember God’s goodness.
When the going gets tough, I must have faith and trust in God’s guidance and not rely on my own strength.
PRAY:
Eternal God, giver of life who blesses those who are faithful and trust in You. May I always remember Your loving kindness and unending grace in my life. You are the one I can run to in times of need for You are my shield and strength. Help me to make the right choices in my life and stay on the pathway of God. In Jesus’ name, I give thanks and praise. Amen!
