Joshua 24:15

New International Version

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.

For Meditation

Life changing decisions confront us at certain stages of our life. These decisions determine our future. Deciding one way or other may be difficult, but we have to decide. An example of such a decision is choosing a spouse

God satisfied your longing and gave you the one whose eyes beam with delight. Several years later, someone else captures your attention, and your heart pounds with youthful desire. All the qualities you admired in your spouse fade, and the sparkle loses its appeal to this person. There is likewise an old flame who has made a potent appeal to rekindle the fire.

You never thought it would come to this, but a choice brazenly confronts you. Your spouse has been faithful and fulfilling. Your home is secure, fruitful, and joyful, lacking nothing. But now this! What are you going to do? Someone must give way in your heart. Who is it going to be?

Tensions like this arise in many areas of life, such as jobs, businesses, friendships, investments, and relocation. It demands a decision that will make or break it going forward. Israel faced such a decision at Shechem at the end of Joshua’s life (Joshua 24:15).

Joshua was old and approaching the end of life’s journey. He called the elders and gave them his farewell address (23:1-16) and renewed the Covenant at an assembly of the people at Shechem. He challenged them to fear the Lord and serve only Him, forsaking their ancestral gods beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt (24:1-14).

“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” (15).

Today, the Holy Spirit similarly challenges us through Joshua. Look back and see all that God has done to deliver you out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves, “in whom you have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). You’re now His beloved child and heir, co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Jesus has borne you on eagles’ wings through the years and brought you into 2026. Who thought you would be here today, but you are by His grace?

Despite this, your heart delights in the world’s delicacies. The gods of the nations are tugging at your heart, and you are torn between the wonders of technology, wealth, fashion, etc. You are salivating over their appeal against the pure worship of Yahweh, total commitment to Christ, and absolute submission to the Holy Spirit.

It’s time to choose: the time to denounce the petty gods of this world, commit, and devote to Christ Jesus as only the Lord and King. It is time to let go of your friendship with the world (Jas. 4:4) for fellowship with Jesus alone. He is the all-sufficient God in whom you lack nothing.

What is your decision?

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for your grace that has saved me, is preserving me, and will carry me home to your eternal glory. Please help me make a clean break and stay committed to your glory in Christ. Amen!