Point the Way
[Joshua said,] “So honor 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. But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” The people replied, “We would never forsake the Lord and worship other gods.” Joshua 24:14-16
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Joshua was nearing the end of his life the day he stood before the generation of young men. For most of them, the flight from Egypt was something their grandfathers spoke about. They knew about God. They had seen the walls of Jericho fall as Joshua led them around the fortified city, but they had also watched their fathers stray away to worship idols. Joshua knew that it was time for these men to choose their God. If they chose other gods, the foundation of the nation would crumble.
Though it can be flattering, our ministries, accomplishments, and endeavors mean little if they exalt a man or woman or a program rather than God. Just as Joshua pointed the way to God, each of us has the same opportunity. Ask God to help you examine your ministry or work. Whether you’re a teacher, a salesperson, a mom, a pastor, or a computer technician, are you pointing the way to God? Will those who follow your leadership remember your deeds—or the God who accomplished them through you?
Prayers:
DEAR GOD, I remember the times that you rescued me, healed me, guided me, and pushed obstacles out of my way. Thank you for allowing me to lead others, whether in the home or the workplace. I pray that those who look to me for leadership will be drawn to you through me. Help them to choose to serve you and no other.
Quotes:
The true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing and altogether as ready to follow as to lead, when the Spirit makes it clear that a wiser and more gifted man than himself has appeared.
A. W. Tozer (1897–1963)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Joshua 24:1-33; Luke 21:1-28; Psalm 89:38-52 and Proverbs 13:20-23.
