In Joshua 24, we see Joshua gathered all of the tribes of Israel – really it’s a big family meeting! Joshua has led the charge to establish them in their Promised-land. He recounts all of the events that have led up to their safe arrival home.
He begins with Abraham. He points out that Terah, the father of Abraham, served other gods – but that the Lord called Abraham to establish His covenant with Him.
He then talks of Jacob’s 12 sons, which are the seeds for these current 12 tribes. Joshua talks about their enslavery in Egypt – yet the Lord’s covenant promises remain, hence the Lord has brought them to their Promised-land. They settle, as they are now victorious in the Lord. Then Joshua charges the family of Israel – Vs 14: “Now, therefore, fear the Lord; serving Him in sincerity and faithfulness.”
It reads like an encouraging speech to us - but Joshua is really laying out the matter and their choices in a very raw fashion. He charges them to get rid of their idols and foreign gods; he urges them to fear the Lord God and worship Him!
Without wavering in the presence of the crowd, Johsua asserts: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” - regardless of anyone elses’ choice.
Knowing that Joshua is an incredible leader, all the people echo his words – but he does not accept their words at face value. He continues to strip down their words to the heart-level.
““But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD - to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey”.
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Joshua’s simply saying: do not let your words testify against your heart. Do not let your lips speak a declaration of faithfulness while your heart remains distant.
Joshua clearly has a strong presence and influence, but he does not want his influence to persuade them; he wants them to love the Lord with all thier heart, soul, mind and strength. He pressed them so as to not get just lip-service, but to get an honest confession from their hearts.
Highland, we are charged by the Lord to guard our hearts, not our facades. Let us continue to bear the fruit of repentance from honest hearts, declaring our great need for Jesus! May we share in David’s declaration from one of my favorite Psalms:
“I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells, secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption” (Psalm 16:7-10).
When our ‘whole being rejoices’, our hearts are made glad in the good news that Jesus saves sinners. We experience freedom and a sense of belonging in the light of His presence. There is then no reason to create and spend our energy guarding a facade which does not protect, nor satisfy our hearts. Our hearts are then made whole in His holy counsel.
May the entirety of our beings rejoice in Him, Highland.
I love you,
Rob