Sermon Title: "Choose This Day"
Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV) “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 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.”
Introduction: Brothers and sisters, today we gather to reflect on one of the most pivotal moments in the life of the Israelites—a moment where choice becomes paramount. Joshua, the leader appointed by God, addresses the people as they prepare to settle in the Promised Land. He challenges them with the call to choose whom they will serve. This is not just a historical moment; it speaks to us today, calling us to make an intentional decision in our own lives.
I. The Call to Reverence and Service In verse 14, Joshua calls the people to "fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness." This begins with a posture of reverence. To fear the Lord is to recognize His holiness, His power, and His sovereign authority over all creation. This fear is not a fear that paralyzes but one that propels us into deeper relationship and service.
Joshua emphasizes that our service must be sincere and faithful. We must not serve the Lord out of obligation or routine, but out of genuine love and commitment. Our worship and service call for transparency and a whole heart. In a world that often demands half-hearted offerings to its various idols—materialism, career success, and self-gratification—how do we ensure our service to God remains true and unwavering?
II. The Urgency of Choice Joshua presents the people with a poignant question: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” This choice is urgent; it cannot be delayed. Each one of us stands at a crossroad, confronted with the weight of this decision daily. The world presents alternatives—gods that may not take the form of statuary idols, but rather distract us from the main mission of our lives.
Joshua’s mention of “the gods your fathers served” and “the gods of the Amorites” invites us to reflect on the legacies that influence our choices. Are we serving out of tradition without true relation? In our current context, this may relate to family expectations or societal pressures. The question must be asked: Are we following the Lord out of legacy, or out of personal faith?
III. A Commitment to the Lord Joshua states boldly, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This is a declaration of intention, a resolution that sets the tone for his household and, by extension, his community. The power of communal faith cannot be underestimated.
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Personal Commitment: Each individual must make their own decision to follow Christ. Your faith must be personal; you cannot rely solely on your family's faith or church traditions to carry you.
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Family Influence: As heads of households, we have a responsibility to lead by example. It's not just about what we say but how we live our lives in demonstration of serving the Lord.
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Impact on Community: When families commit to serving the Lord, this commitment transforms the whole community. We are not just called to live for ourselves, but to influence and reflect our faith to those around us.
IV. The Realities of Choice Choosing to serve the Lord comes with challenges and blessings. It may mean standing alone in a world that celebrates compromise. It may lead us to uncomfortable places as we confront the “gods” of our culture head-on. Yet the blessings of following Him far outweigh the temporary comforts of the world.
Consider the faithfulness of God throughout history—the way He has provided for, forgiven, and guided His people. When we choose Him, we step into that lineage of faithfulness.
Conclusion: As we reflect on this Scripture today, let us ask ourselves: Who will we choose to serve? Are we afraid of making that choice or apprehensive about what it might cost us? In choosing the Lord, we claim our identity as His children, resonating with His promises and aligning ourselves with His purpose.
Today, let us renew our commitment with Joshua’s conviction: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Let this be the anthem of our hearts and the guiding principle of our lives. Amen.