As told in the Old Testament book of Joshua, after the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelite tribes into the Promised Land. Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to challenge the people once and for all to answer whom they would serve. He gave them the choice of their old ways of worshipping idols or a chance to serve the One True God who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt.

He used wisdom and love for God to set the example, declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua was determined to serve God no matter what anyone else thought. 

There comes a point where we all must decide
if we are going to serve God,
if we’re going to put our faith in Jesus
and submit to His lordship over our lives.

Read

Joshua 24:15 (ESV) says, “And if it is evil in your eyes 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.”

Discuss

What is the significance of Joshua 24:15 today?

When we decide to honor and follow God, we are proclaiming what Joshua was proclaiming. We have a responsibility to make sure what goes on in our home honors God and excludes activities that do not serve or glorify Him.

How do I lead my family to follow God?

Read God’s Word together, serve others, and pray together as a family. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

What does God promise to those who follow him?

Great security is promised to believers who follow the Lord. Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Pray

Almighty God,

I make choices every day, and too often they are bad choices. Lord, I ask that you be with me each time I make a choice. Be in my midst so that when I’m faced with a choice, I choose the one that brings glory and honor to your name. Make me aware of the idols in my life that I’m not even conscious of. Guide me as I strive to follow you and be an example to others. Give me the spirit of Joshua’s wisdom to boldly proclaim your Gospel so that I may say with confidence: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

In the holy name of Jesus,

Amen.