7-29-20 Today in the Word

COURAGE FOR THE QUEST
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | Joshua 24:1–27
 
SERVING NOTHING ELSE

Do you know that the average person makes roughly 30,000 decisions in a single day? Some choices are small, such as “How long should I brush my teeth?” Others are life-altering, such as “Should I marry this person?” Life is full of choices. And as we near the end of the Israelites’ quest, we find that God’s people faced an enormous decision.
In the first 13 verses, Joshua reminds the leaders about their history. He begins with Terah, the father of Abraham, and concludes with the quest they had just completed. Did Joshua feel the people had forgotten what had just transpired? Did they already need this history lesson? No. Joshua recalled what the Lord had done in order to convince the people of Israel to commit their lives to Yahweh alone (vv. 14–15). Ultimately, he gave them an important choice. Who would they serve? He made his own decision very clear: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15).
The people’s response must have been pleasing to Joshua’s ears, reaching to Yahweh’s throne. They responded, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!” (v. 16). They recognized that throughout their quest, the Lord had carried them, so they devoted their lives to Him (v. 21). Joshua warned them that if they turned away from God and were unfaithful to Him, the same judgment and consequences the Canaanites faced would be on them (vv. 19–20). But if they remained obedient to God’s laws and were faithful to Him, then the Lord would bless them all the days of their life. Joshua left the Israelites with this choice. What were they going to do?
>> What is your choice? Out of all the decisions in your lifetime, none is more important than whether or not you surrender your life to the Lord. I can guarantee there is no greater decision you will ever make. Choose today to serve Him. He will give you courage for your quest!
PRAY WITH US
Joshua’s decision for himself and his household to serve the Lord is a wonderful example for us today. Will you make the same choice? Ask for the Holy Spirit’s power to surrender your whole life to God’s will.
This month's devotional is written by Chris Rappazini. Chris Rappazini is the associate professor and program head of the BA and MA in Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary. He is the vice president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as the associate minister of preaching and teaching at Southside Christian Church in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their three children reside in Northwest Indiana.

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