15 … CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, … But as for me and my household, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.’ Joshua 24
Joshua was handing over the, ‘Reins of government’, of the nation of Israel, but he left the people with a challenge or a decision. CHOOSE ‘THIS DAY’ WHOM YOU WILL SERVE. Don’t put it off, make your decision today. It may be that some of you who are reading this have been thrust into a place of leadership or new decision making after serving alongside someone for a long time. Change comes to everyone sooner or later and the DECISIONS MAY NOW FALL TO US. I understand that believers have already made a decision for the Lord, just as Israel under Joshua crossed into Canaan and began to conquer it. The question is Who will we follow now, in our day?
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? IF THE LORD IS GOD, FOLLOW HIM; but if Baal is God, follow him.’
But the people said nothing. (The people wouldn’t decide to serve God alone) 1 Kings 18
Israel had come under the influence of Jezebel and Elijah had to confront 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah on Mount Carmel. God revealed His power through His prophet and rescued His people from gross idolatry.
David, who had already fled the nation to live in the land of the Philistines, fell into more trouble when the Amalekites raided his camp. David was a good leader for the people around him, but trouble came unexpectedly and he was blamed, very typical.
6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength (Encouraged himself) in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30
David didn’t give up but sought the, pursued the Amalekites and rescued his people, including his own wives. So pertinent to the situation Israel is currently facing.
The practical side for us as believers, ‘Commit your day to the Lord and CHOOSE to follow Him.’ Making/Declaring that decision will close many unwise doors and open many positive ones in our lives. As Amanda Grace says, ‘Get the Lord involved early’.
CHOOSE today to serve the Lord and enjoy life as a much loved child of the King.
God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.