| OBEY - then choose...response Joshua 24:14 & 15 |
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It's interesting to note that Joshua doesn't challenge the people then and all of us today to make a choice to follow The Lord or evil, as some seem to think. If you read closely especially noting vs 14, the people are actually commanded to 'serve' the Lord (& they are answerable for not obeying this command). The direction to 'choose this day whom you will serve' is only a choice between the 'secular' small 'g' gods - 'whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell'. It seems apparent that those who obey God's command in this way - even today, are those whose hearts have been changed by the Lord's gracious, enabling work - see Deut 30 vs 6 The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts & the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul,and live....whereby we can say 'but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. many other references can be found as to the Lord's command to people to turn to Him.Deut 30.15; Repent/return/come/follow - not inviations but commands-therefore we are more accountable when we do not obey...how many references can you find?
24:15 And if you be unwilling 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." |
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