Choose God

Joshua 24

The 24th chapter of Joshua is full of insight! Joshua leads Israel to renew their covenant with Yahweh (the LORD).

It is most noteworthy that Yahweh, speaking through Joshua, said that is was He Who gave them every victory. In fact, even the blessing of Balaam was Yahweh overriding the rebellious, money-hungry prophet. Yahweh goes so far as to say that Israel's swords and bows were not contributors to their victories, but He Himself that made them conquerors.

Joshua then lays down a gauntlet for Israel: choose whom you will serve! At Israel's reply that they would serve Yahweh, Joshua again throws down another verbal gauntlet to challenge them that they would not in fact serve Yahweh because they were not able. But in persistent commitment, Israel considered their options and declared their allegiance to Yahweh. Joshua then placed a huge memorial stone near the Tabernacle at Shechem as a reminder of their commitment.

Shortly thereafter, Joshua died.

There is much that I wish to ponder from this chapter of the Bible.

Balaam's story intrigues me and even makes me consider my own obedience to God. Did Balaam think he was actually obeying God when he went on with Balak's entourage? Did God let him think he was doing His will, when, in fact, Balaam was in complete rebellion and would later be destroyed for it? Balaam's story presents bone-chilling reality for anyone who thinks they are in God's will! What if what we perceive as God's will being done through us is actually God overriding our ingrained rebellion just to accomplish His plan? It is worth questioning ourselves!

And then, every day, we should ask ourselves, "Whom will we choose?" Somehow, I cannot help but think Balaam was brought up just before this to remind Israel (and subsequently us) just how serious obeying God really is and just how deceived was are capable of being! It seems that it is easy to be obedient on the outside while remaining woefully rebellious on the inside. Joshua's challenge of Israel's commitment makes this clear.

Father, help me to meditate on these things today. Help me to consider my own devotion to You. Help me to know that I have thoroughly and completely chosen You!