Decisions and the free will (12/6/2023)
Joshua 24:15 "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua had successfully led Israel into the promised land and settled them in their territories. He was about to die and gave the people the last instructions. Key for them was the choice to remain true to God or serve other gods. Joshua didn’t force them. They were to exercise their free will to serve God or not. He stated how he and his household had chosen to serve God.
We are making decisions and choices all the time. The personal will is very key in this except where laws dictate and people do things because they fear being caught on the wrong side of the law. They obey even if they were not willing to from their hearts. But God gives us freedom of choice in our relationship with Him. We are to do things pleasing to Him because we want to do it, not because we are forced to.
Whenever He has called us to choose, He asks for a willing heart. Is your heart truly willing, obedient and submissive to God?
Isaiah 1:19-20 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Shalom children of God