Whom Will You Serve

This was a question that was asked of the Israelites over 3000 years ago and it is still relevant today. This question, if asked today would get a resounding answer; and it would be yes we will serve the Lord from most everyone that goes to church.

I was reading in the book of Joshua this morning and Joshua asked this question to the Israelites in Joshua 24:14-15 where he said, “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua was a man who served the Lord and had a great responsibly that he didn’t take lightly.  Joshua didn’t only talk the talk but he walked the walk and was a leader of great moral character.  He was a leader that the people under him could follow as a great example, one that could be trusted.  He reminded the people of God’s love, mercy and kindness and how He was worthy to be trusted.  He reminded them of times in the past when God had blessed them and how He had provided for them.  

It is a good idea to think back every now and then and remember how the Lord has blessed you and your family and how He continues to bless you and yours.  Check the Word out, it says in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  The Word also says that He will never leave thee nor forsake thee.  If we are faithful to Him He will always be faithful to us.  

When Joshua asked the question about serving the Lord it was toward the end of his life and he wanted to make sure that they would continue to serve the Lord in his absence.  He wanted them to think about the question and answer the question for themselves from a sincere heart so he gave them that challenge.  Then the people answered and said in Joshua 24:16, “The people answered and said, ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods.’”  They also said in verse 24, ”The people said to Joshua, ‘We will serve the LORD our God and we will obey His voice.’”  Then it says in verse 31 “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the LORD which He had done for Israel.  The Israelites were very blessed to have men that they could follow that loved and feared the Lord and set an example before them teaching the Lord’s Word and encouraging them to live by it.

Now I want to ask you that same question, who will you serve?  As time goes on it is going to get much harder to serve the Lord.  Christian principles and values are on trial, you might say, being taken away in many parts of the world.  The Word in many cases is being watered down in the pulpits and false doctrine is being taught.  Many are bowing down to the god of popularity and the god of entertainment and materialism.  Many are conforming to the world instead of separating themselves from it.  Many believers seem to be discouraged living defeated lives.  

I think about what the Bible says in Matthew 24:9-12, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”  There are perilous times coming when that question will have to be answered and we will have to take a stand, those of us that are still here at the time.  Jesus was trying to prepare His people ahead of time so it would not take them by surprise and He didn’t leave us without hope.  Matthew 24:13 says, “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

Think of this, false teachers and loose morals breed the loss of love for God and for others.  So think about that question and I hope your answer will be, “yes, I will serve the Lord!!" God bless and have a great day.