Choose whom ye will serve: remembering grace, rejecting hidden idols and renewing covenant loyalty
Joshua 24 gathers Israel at Shechem for Joshua’s final covenant appeal. He reviews the nation’s history from Abraham through Egypt, the wilderness and the conquest, repeatedly emphasising what God did for them. He then issues the famous challenge: “choose you this day whom ye will serve.” The people answer enthusiastically, but Joshua insists that words are not enough; strange gods must be put away and the heart inclined to the LORD.
1. Begin commitment by remembering grace
Joshua’s history repeatedly uses God’s first-person actions: I took, I gave, I sent, I brought. (Joshua 24:2-13). Israel’s obedience is response to grace.
2. God’s purpose reaches back before our own story
Abraham was called from an idolatrous background. The nation’s identity begins with God’s initiative.
3. Count blessings before making demands
Joshua rehearses deliverance from Egypt, wilderness preservation and victory in the land. Gratitude prepares the heart for commitment.
4. Serve in sincerity and truth
Joshua calls Israel to fear the LORD and serve Him sincerely. (Joshua 24:14). Outward worship without inner loyalty is insufficient.
5. Put away rival gods
The surprising command shows that some form of hidden idolatry still remained among the people. (Joshua 24:14,23).
6. Choice is unavoidable
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” (Joshua 24:15). Refusing to choose God is still a choice.
7. Leadership begins at home
Joshua declares, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15). He does not merely tell the nation what to do.
8. Do not make covenant promises lightly
The people quickly promise loyalty, but Joshua warns them of God’s holiness and jealousy. (Joshua 24:16-20).
9. Enthusiasm must become action
After repeated declarations, Joshua tells them to put away strange gods and incline the heart to God. (Joshua 24:23-24).
10. Our own words can become witnesses against us
Joshua says their declaration will testify against them if they turn away. (Joshua 24:22).
11. Write commitments into memory
Joshua records the covenant and sets up a stone as witness. (Joshua 24:25-27). Deliberate memorials can strengthen accountability.
12. Faithfulness must outlive strong leaders
Israel serves the LORD throughout Joshua’s lifetime and that of elders who knew God’s works. (Joshua 24:31). The next generation must still make the faith its own.
13. Joseph’s bones connect Genesis to Joshua
Joseph had died in Egypt believing God would visit Israel; his bones are finally buried in the promised land. (Joshua 24:32).
14. Mortality closes the book, but promise remains
Joshua and Eleazar die, yet the covenant purpose continues. The faithful dead await resurrection.
15. The greater Joshua is Jesus
Joshua’s name and work direct thought toward Jesus, who brings God’s people toward the true inheritance and will establish the Kingdom at his return.
Closing thought
Joshua 24 ends the book with a choice. God’s grace has been abundant, but covenant loyalty cannot remain verbal. Put away rival allegiances, incline the heart to God and choose daily whom you will serve.
Practical Readings — Joshua 24