1. 1. Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b We will serve the Lord, for he is our God Copyrighted material that appears in this article is included under the provisions of the Fair Use Clause of the National Copyright Act, which allows limited reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational and religious use when no financial charge is made for viewing. Catholic Lectionary. (2009). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
2. 2. Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people: If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. But the people answered, Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery.
3. 3. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.
4. 4. This event took place when Joshua was about 110 years old. We hear him asking the people if they want to serve the God of Israel or the idols. Joshua is trying to get people to make the right choice. Each of us reach a point in life when we have to decided for ourselves to serve or not to serve God. Most of those seated here believe and are willing to serve God. Others seated here have decided to serve God for one hour per week and then its back to the materialistic ways of the world. You see the people to whom Joshua was speaking were no different than we are. The only way to become whole is to allow God to fill up the void which we attempt to fill with our idols of this world.
5. 5. Little children keep yourselves free from idols. 1 John 5:21