Apologetics

You And Your Household 7

by Olawale Ogunsola
06/19/25
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"[15]And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24

The above words are those of a veteran Army General who doubled as the leader of God's people after Prophet Moses. The latter led them out of the land of slavery (Egypt) while the former led them to the land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan. He also distributed the land to them by lots according to the leading of the Lord his God.

In the twilight of his life when he was preparing to go in the way of all flesh, he assembled the heads of families in the land of Israel to share words with them and to tell them the truth concerning the Lord God of their fathers.

It was at the meeting that the opening words of this piece emerged.

There were two options before them, worship the Lord or the Idols, the work of men's hands. They had a free choice. One was, and still is, more profitable than the other. He did not force them to follow him but he declared his mind to them his unchangeable decision which was, _ ...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”Joshua 24:15.

This was an extreme decision that was made by a national leader. He assured other leaders that if he could not force or influence other households, he could do that on his own. Not only that, he was in firm control of his household and there was no recalcitrant fellow in it.

His final decision may have penetrated the hearts of other leaders to follow suit.

Their response declared it so as they said, "[16]So the people answered and said: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods;" Joshua 24.

They have all benefited from the Lord's lovingkindness since they left the land of Egypt. It would be foolhardy to forsake Him.

Beloved, what is your decision? It will affect your household. Have you made similar decisions? You cannot do otherwise because it has grave consequences. Do not forsake the Lord your God and it will be well with you and your household in the name of Jesus Christ. You will also be proud of every member of your house as one who knows and serves the Lord acceptably. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.

Note:
All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.