Joshua 24:1-15

What can one person do?!? This is often the cry that we raise against the tides of evil that seem so strong. We throw our hands in the air and lament that things are as they are, but have little hope that they will change.

Joshua stands as an example of the influence that one person can have over others. He had spent his days as a leader among his people. His life had been marked by faith and confidence. He had seen his people come to the verge of greatness (Kadish Barnea) and then falter in defeat through disobedience. Now, as an older man, he stands before his people as they face another decision. His voice rings out with conviction as he announces his choice. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Because of the importance of the issues, every person must make a choice concerning service to our God.

• The deeds of God to consider (Joshua 24:2-13)
  • What God had done for their forefathers
    • Led Abraham
    • Raised up Moses as a leader
    • Brought deliverance from Egypt
  • What God had done for them
    • With them in the wilderness
      • Food, provision, protection
      • Safe passage through Jordan
      • Given the enemy into their hands
• The decision for me to make (Joshua 24:15)
  • Whom will I allow to rule me?
    • False gods or the true God
    • The seeming no decision is a choice, for then we allow Satan to rule over us
  • Whom shall I choose to serve?
    • If it is agreeable to you to serve the Lord, choose whom you will serve.
    • “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” Hebrews 12:1
• The declaration for me to announce (Joshua 24:15)
  • Commitment to Christ as Savior
    • The need for a declaration
    • “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:10
  • Commitment to a Christian home
    • Joshua was a firm leader of a nation, the head of a house, and an individual
      • He didn’t take a poll
      • He didn’t say, “I will let the kids decide for themselves.”
      • He stood straight and said, “This is the decision of the household of Joshua, we will serve the Lord.”
        • Regardless of others’ decisions
        • Regardless of national consequences

Every person must make a choice concerning their personal commitment and service to Jesus Christ. This is not a time for indecision. Make a choice.