The Choice

     Israel heard a historical discourse from their leader, Joshua, shortly before his death.  He recounted God’s exploits and miracles by which He had created and led Israel to the promised land.  Joshua punctuated his talk of remembrance with a passionate challenge.  “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…”  Joshua 24:15

     Israel was being challenged by Joshua to choose whom they would serve – the false gods (idols) of their past or the one true God who placed them in Canaan, the promised land.  Before all Israel Joshua made known his intention.  “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15. That should be the heartfelt resolve of every Christian.

     When a person accepts salvation doesn’t he or she, perhaps unwittingly, make the choice to serve the Lord Jesus Christ?  Though salvation is a one-time event choosing to serve Jesus Christ is required daily because of our sinful nature.  Jesus Himself implied that choosing to serve Him was a daily necessity.  “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”  Luke 9:23

     Choosing to follow Jesus is a wonderful but demanding decision.  It requires our total commitment and daily dedication to perform it.  We are tempted every day by the world – by its ways and wants.  We are constantly bombarded with humanistic philosophy and offended by evil ways.  Is there help for us who choose to serve the Lord?  Yes.  “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16. God’s Holy Spirit will enable us.

     Back to Joshua.  What was Israel’s response to Joshua’s challenge that they choose whom they would serve?  “And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.”  Joshua 24:24. They did just that for a while but they soon turned from serving God.  As Christians we must remain aware of Israel’s folly and endeavor not to do likewise.

     The Bible tells us that Christians were chosen by God before the foundation of the world.  Ephesians 1:4. That is too marvelous to comprehend but we believe it.  In actuality we did not become God’s chosen until we chose to become His through salvation in Jesus Christ.  In other words, when you chose salvation in Jesus Christ you became a chosen one of God. 

     Aren’t you glad you made the choice?