Don’t Forget . . .
Read Joshua 20:1–24:33
1. Then Joshua summoned all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, including their elders, leaders, judges, and officers. So they came and presented themselves to God.
2. Joshua said to the people, . . .
14. “Fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.
15. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:1-2, 14-15
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You don’t have to be old to forget something of great importance. It happens to people all the time. It’s happened to you, hasn’t it? Or can’t you remember?
Israel is quite forgetful throughout this time in their history. “Now what was that God we were serving? Oh bother, I can’t remember quite why I’ve got this book of the Law in my hands”—or something like that.
In this section, you will see the Israelites forgetting their heritage and lessons learned in the past, and you will see God reminding them.
Don’t forget to note some of the other lessons: following through on your promises and responsibilities; knowing your weaknesses; and realizing the truth of the maxim, “Talk is cheap.”
The covenant between Israel and God was that the people would worship and obey the Lord alone. Their purpose was to become a holy nation that would influence the rest of the world for God. The conquest of Canaan was a means to achieve this purpose, but Israel became preoccupied with the land and lost sight of the Lord God.
The same can happen in our lives. We can spend so much time on the means or methods that we forget the end—to glorify God. Churches may make this mistake as well. For example, the congregation may pour all of its energies into a new facility, only to become self-satisfied or fearful of letting certain groups use it. If this happens, they have focused on the building and lost sight of its purpose—to bring others to God.
What is your purpose at work? at home? Make your actions there a part of fulfilling God’s highest purposes. Remember what God has called you to do and your promises to him.
