With Moses's death, God appointed Joshua as Israel’s new leader. The Lord reaffirmed His command for His chosen people to enter the Promised Land. The book of Joshua describes their entry into the land and the battles they faced.
As this book concludes, Joshua speaks directly and honestly to the people of Israel.
Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the Euphrates 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 Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.
- Joshua 24:14-15a
Fear the Lord
Just as Joshua instructed the Israelites, we are called to worship the Lord with reverent fear. He is the Almighty God, and our hearts should be filled with awe. Let our lips praise Him and speak words of admiration for His power and authority.
Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him!
- Psalm 33:8
Serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness
To serve the Lord sincerely, our words and actions should reflect our honest and genuine beliefs and thoughts. We will aim to speak the truth and live with great passion and devotion to the Lord’s commands.
Faithfulness invites us to recognize our commitment and devotion to the Lord. We choose to follow Him and trust that He will take care of us. Our dedication to Him demonstrates our faith in God. We decide to serve God wholeheartedly with all our heart and soul.
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
- Deuteronomy 10:12
Put away other gods
Generations ago, people worshiped false gods from beyond the Euphrates River. God called Abram from Ur of the Chaldeans and Haran to the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-8). The people of Israel also encountered Egypt’s false gods during their years of slavery (Numbers 33:3-5).
Joshua directly addressed the serious issue of idol worship. The Lord is holy and righteous. The Bible instructs us not to worship any other gods because the Lord is the only God. Yes, He is eternal.
There is only one God, the Eternal; worship Him with respect and awe; take delight in Him, and tremble.
- Psalm 2:11
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
- Joshua 24:15
Choose this day
Joshua stands and makes a bold declaration to the people of Israel: "I will serve the Lord. All the people in my house will serve the Lord." He is a strong and courageous leader. Joshua guides his nation on the right path and encourages them to live their lives accordingly.
Who is the man who fears the Lord? The Lord will instruct him in the way that he should choose.
- Psalm 25:12
Head to Heart
The first commandment (Deuteronomy 5:7) says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Today’s idols can be abstract ideas or things that take priority over God. These might include money, power, success, acceptance, technology (such as phones and social media), pleasure, and fame. Anything that competes for your attention or admiration and takes the place of God as the center of your life.
We should regularly examine our hearts and ask the Lord to show us any “idols” we have placed before Him. Consider asking yourself these questions:
Does this item divert my attention from the Creator?
Will this abstract concept or thing disappoint me? Is it capable of meeting my spiritual needs or providing lasting satisfaction?
Does this object distract me from my focus and devotion to the Lord?
Choose this day whom you will serve.
© 2025 Discover God's Truth Ministries