March 26, 2014 (Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “If you abandon the Lord and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you.” Joshua 24:20 NLT
Observation: Joshua warned the people about the seriousness of serving the Lord. It was not a profession that was to be taken lightly or without consideration. He urged them to think about what they were committing too and warned them of the consequences they would face if they failed to keep their promise. Joshua plainly told them God was a Holy and jealous God and He would not allow their rebellion, or sins, to go unpunished. The people were commanded to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and not to get mixed up with worshipping cultural gods. They were plainly warned what would happen if they did. God would turn against them and destroy them even though He had been so good to them in the past. Serving the Lord is serious business and must be a continual way of life. It’s not acceptable to commit to Him today and then forsake that commitment tomorrow.
Application: We like to think of God as holy, but struggle to understand what it really means for God to be jealous. His jealously is righteous and just. His commitment to His people is complete and unwavering and He demands the same in return. He will not accept, nor tolerate, a people that go whoring after other gods. He desires a committed relationship that is constant and consistent. He is not impressed by cultural gods and considers them evil thieves seeking to steal the love and affection that is meant for Him alone. As His people we must be certain to serve Him and Him alone. No matter what our culture accepts and worships, we must remain committed and loyal to our God. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us if we keep His commands and serve Him alone. However, if we abandon Him, and the promise we made to serve Him, He will turn against us and destroy us. If we forsake Him, He will give us the opportunity to call on our false gods to save us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me keep my promise to You. Secure me with Your Holy Spirit and keep me from being lured away after other gods. Show me the path You would have me to walk and strengthen me to travel it bringing You glory. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!