Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods your fathers served on the other side of the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14) (King James Version French)
Children of Israel had begun to serve other gods. They recognized always God's existence, but their time and energy were absorbed by other prosecutions. They were relegated God to a secondary position.
Joshua saw how the hearts of the children of God turned away from Him. They threw a challenge. Addressing the people gathered before him, he offered them a choice. They could continue to be their own servants - serving their intellect and their pleasures - or they could serve the Lord.
GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN OUR Dead Ringers, ALTHOUGH THIS IS WHAT MOST PEOPLE GIVE HIM. WE SERVE GOD WITH SINCERITY AND TRUTH WHEN WE REMEMBER HIS KINDNESS AND HIS LOYALTY TO OUR RESPECT.
In Deuteronomy, Moses asked "What the Lord wants from you." The first two requirements mentioned were that we feared God and that we should serve him with all our hearts. Joshua has reminded people the requirements of God fear God (Treat with reverence), then serve Him with sincerity and truth that is to say, serve Him in an authentic way.
God had led the Israelites in the country, chased their enemies and had been freed from slavery. Because God was so good to them, they would have wanted to serve Him!
What is glorious when it chooses to serve the Lord, is that it will take you the rest. When you choose to give Him first place in your life, then he blessed you by giving you the desires of your heart.
__________
Father, we are so grateful for the opportunities you gave us. Teach us to serve you with sincerity and truth.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment