Joshua 24:14-28
14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 17 for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
19 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. 20 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.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” 22 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.” 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jos 24:14–28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
The people of Israel had to deal with many other religions. There were people on all sides and even people within the promised land that worshiped idols. God told the Israelites to watch out for the people in the Land of Canna. God commanded the people of Israel to separate themselves from these people who would lead them astray. We are to avoid those people who teach falsely and worship idols.
Joshua reminds the people of Israel that the LORD is the one and only God. He will continue to remind his people that they are to follow God. The LORD continues to remind the people he is the God who brought them up out of the land of Egypt. The LORD reminds the people of Israel that he is the one who has given them the strength to conquer their enemies. The LORD is the one and only true God.
As for us and our Church we will follow Christ. As for me and my house we will serve the LORD through the grace of God. The Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ has called his people to live under him and serve and obey him in all things. Jesus Christ has claimed you to be his own. He calls us away from the devil and his minions who are dressed in stone and wood. God calls us to himself where he provides life and salvation.
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