Revisiting decisions made is a common practice. How many times have we wondered if we should have purchased that car or house, or taken a job in another city or state? If we linger long over decisions made, we easily develop a case of "what-if's", and this can lead to regrets if we determine the decision was unwise.
Have you ever second-guessed serving the Lord? If you have, you certainly wouldn't be the first person to do so.
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
These are Joshua's words in his farewell speech to the people of Israel. This one-hundred-year-old-plus man has had a long history with Yahweh God, and in his final speech he recounts the mighty acts of God. In disobedience, the people of Israel had wandered aimlessly for forty years, and yet God had provide for them and protected them. Now, they have completed the conquest of the promised land and are about to begin a new chapter in their lives. This is a watershed moment; a time to reflect and to act. Reluctant service and obedience will benefit no one; this is the time to decisively choose and wholeheartedly serve. And Joshua and his family have clearly made their choice: "we will serve the LORD."
I made a choice thirty-eight years ago. After nearly fifteen years of instruction and first-hand experience with my Father and His Son, a time for action came. I chose new life in Christ through baptism, and the straight and narrow path and gate through life. That pathway has had its ups and downs, but I'm still on it. And I've chosen today to continue.
The choice to "fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth" (Joshua 24:14) is a daily choice. It is incomprehensible for me to think that one-hundred-old Joshua waited until near the end of his life to choose to serve the LORD. I believe, on this occasion, he reaffirmed the decision he made every single day of his life. No doubt the temptation to walk away from it was there daily, and often perilously enticing. If serving the LORD involved leading a stiff-necked people, who wouldn't be tempted to run?
We've made our choices in the waters of baptism, at the marriage altar, and at the lending institution. But, these one-time choices are also daily choices. We can walk away from the faith, our marriage, and our financial responsibilities. Or, we can reaffirm those decisions today. The choice is there, today, to be made. No choice is a "no" choice, whereas decisive reaffirmation is a commitment to throw our entire selves into the choice, no matter how easy or difficult.
A choice is before us today. Honestly, what is your decision?
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
Have you ever second-guessed serving the Lord? If you have, you certainly wouldn't be the first person to do so.
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
These are Joshua's words in his farewell speech to the people of Israel. This one-hundred-year-old-plus man has had a long history with Yahweh God, and in his final speech he recounts the mighty acts of God. In disobedience, the people of Israel had wandered aimlessly for forty years, and yet God had provide for them and protected them. Now, they have completed the conquest of the promised land and are about to begin a new chapter in their lives. This is a watershed moment; a time to reflect and to act. Reluctant service and obedience will benefit no one; this is the time to decisively choose and wholeheartedly serve. And Joshua and his family have clearly made their choice: "we will serve the LORD."
I made a choice thirty-eight years ago. After nearly fifteen years of instruction and first-hand experience with my Father and His Son, a time for action came. I chose new life in Christ through baptism, and the straight and narrow path and gate through life. That pathway has had its ups and downs, but I'm still on it. And I've chosen today to continue.
The choice to "fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth" (Joshua 24:14) is a daily choice. It is incomprehensible for me to think that one-hundred-old Joshua waited until near the end of his life to choose to serve the LORD. I believe, on this occasion, he reaffirmed the decision he made every single day of his life. No doubt the temptation to walk away from it was there daily, and often perilously enticing. If serving the LORD involved leading a stiff-necked people, who wouldn't be tempted to run?
We've made our choices in the waters of baptism, at the marriage altar, and at the lending institution. But, these one-time choices are also daily choices. We can walk away from the faith, our marriage, and our financial responsibilities. Or, we can reaffirm those decisions today. The choice is there, today, to be made. No choice is a "no" choice, whereas decisive reaffirmation is a commitment to throw our entire selves into the choice, no matter how easy or difficult.
A choice is before us today. Honestly, what is your decision?
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:11 AM
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