Joshua 24: Who Will Serve the Lord?
THROUGHOUT THE BOOK of Joshua the Lord has demonstrated his faithfulness and his power. Every promise he made was fulfilled; every battle he fought was won. Now at the conclusion of the book he asks Israel and us to reaffirm the most important decision of our lives: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (v. 15).
Warming Up to God
God has given us the ability to make choices. What are some of the inherent benefits and dangers of this freedom for you?
Read Joshua 24. »
Discovering the Word
- Why do you think the Lord recounts Israel's history from beginning to end (vv. 1-13)?
- Joshua and the Israelites repeat the word serve thirteen times in verses 14-27. Why is this a good word to describe our duty to God?
- Why might serving the Lord seem undesirable to the Israelites (v. 15)?
- Why doesn't Joshua accept the Israelites' first pledge to serve the Lord (v. 19)?
- What is the purpose of the witnesses mentioned in verses 22 and 27?
Applying the Word
- Israel must choose whom they will serve (v. 15). What choices to you have about whom to serve?
- In what ways is serving the Lord difficult for you?
- What makes serving him worthwhile?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that God will give you courage to rise to the challenge of Joshua—to obey God more fully.
For Further Study
Surrender to Love by David G. Benner