Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua said, “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly and faithfully. Remove the gods that your fathers served in the region across the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if you see no benefit in serving the Lord, then choose for yourselves today whomever you will serve—whether the gods that your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household—we will serve the Lord!”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for these words from Joshua as he told the Hebrews to fear and serve you, not in a lukewarm manner but entirely immersed in you. Forgive us when our faith is lukewarm. So that we realize the importance of your salvation plan that nothing can save us from our sins; only you can.
Joshua knew the people could not be forced into faith; they were to decide what was important—whether to be believers and trust you entirely or serve false gods and reject you. They were in your presence and saw your care for them in the wilderness.
You promised a Savior to your people and then sent your Son to us to save us all from our sins, for those sins of putting ourselves first over you and others. Jesus lived a perfect life, always doing your will, and credited us with his perfection. Then he went to the cross to remove our sins forever so that we are reunited with you. We know you accepted his punishment in our place because he rose from the dead on the third day. His perfection given to us and the forgiveness of our sins makes salvation possible for us. Moreover, reuniting us with you is only possible through faith in Christ, which is most important.
So, we pray you will ignite our faith to serve you boldly and confidently so that we know and trust your love for us. Give us the courage to share this good news of your love and forgiveness with others, which we courageously say with Joshua: “But as for me and my household—we will serve the Lord!” Amen
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Only faith in Jesus and knowing what he has done for you—he died for all your sins so that you have eternal life—gives you the confidence to tell others about Jesus because he provides true and everlasting peace in heaven.