In Joshua 24, Joshua is about to die, and he is challenging
the people to make a decision to serve the LORD and Him only. He proclaims that
no matter what everyone else does, he and his house will serve the LORD (v.
15). The people responded by also saying, “We will serve the LORD; for He is
our God” (v. 18). But Joshua knew it is easy for the people to say something
and yet not really have the love, the devotion, and the heart to follow through
on their commitment.
That is why he replies with this strange verse: “But
Joshua said to the people, "You cannot serve the LORD, for He is a holy
God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins”
(v. 19). Joshua
probably remembered when the former generation had met the
Lord at Mount Sinai, they had said, "All that the Lord has spoken we
will do" (Ex. 19:8). But a few weeks later, they were worshiping a
golden calf! Joshua knew that it was easy for the people to promise obedience
to the Lord, but it was quite something else for them to actually do it. His
stern words in Joshua 24:19 were meant to curb their overconfidence and make
them look honestly into their own hearts
In the Old Testament, Israel is pictured as being
"married" to Jehovah, and He would not tolerate any rivals in their
hearts. He is a jealous God (Ex. 20:5) and a holy God, and He could never
permit them to be divided in their loyalty. Just as a husband and wife are
faithful to their marriage vows and jealously guard their mate's affection, so
Israel and the Lord had to be faithful to each other.
Joshua warned them what would happen if they didn't get rid
of their idols: They would eventually forsake the Lord, and then He would have
to chasten them. They would lose all the blessings He had so graciously given
them in the Promised Land. Their great need was to cleanse their hearts of
allegiance to other gods and to incline their hearts only to the Lord (Josh.
24:23). If they persisted in their hidden disloyalty, God would not forgive
them (Ex. 23:21) but would punish them for their sins.
At least three times in this passage the people affirmed
their desire to serve only the Lord (Josh. 24:16-18, 21, 24), and Joshua took
them at their word. So that they wouldn't forget this solemn covenant with
Jehovah, Joshua wrote it in the Book of the Law and then set up a large stone
as a perpetual witness to their agreement.
This is the ninth and last memorial mentioned in the Book
of Joshua. There's certainly nothing unbiblical about God's people
memorializing a wonderful event or a sacred decision, so long as the memorial
doesn't become the focus of idolatrous worship. It's good to remember what the
Lord did and how we responded, but we must never live in the past. Religious
traditions can be helpful or hurtful, depending on how we use them.
In the Epistle of 1 John, the Apostle John gives three tests
for sonship and fellowship with the LORD. The tests of truth, obedience and
love. But then he finishes the book with a warning: “My little children,
keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). An idol is anything that comes
between us and our love and devotion to the LORD!
Has anything come between you and your love for Jesus? True
service comes from a heart of love and devotion!
God bless!
