Pastor’s Perspective

WEEKLY DEVOTION

March 23rd, 2025

WHO DO YOU SERVE?

"Joshua’s “line in the sand” message, which he gives at the end of his life in Joshua 24, offers so much we can glean from and apply in our lives.

In this chapter, he calls the people to “fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served…Serve the Lord!...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”, etc.

At first glance, the people’s response (v. 16-18) seems good: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods …We also will serve the Lord…”

Yet Joshua’s response in v. 19-22 is surprising: “…You cannot serve the Lord…” and, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord for yourselves, to serve Him.”

Joshua’s response may seem harsh to people claiming to want to serve until we realize he is pointing out a pattern of sin in their lives that needs correction: “Put away the foreign gods which are among you…” (v.23). The people had been living and having victories in the Promised Land, yet many had not fully inclined their hearts to the Lord.

Lord, search our hearts; may we not just “say the right things.” We don’t want to carry or hide any false gods in our lives. Instead, may we fear You and serve You in sincerity and truth.

God bless you,