October 29, 2026
We have been through the Jordan. When it was at flood stage. On dry ground.
We have marched around Jericho. Seen the walls fall at the greatness of God’s Hand.
We have seen the sun stand still because he asked God to do it.
Now, too soon, Joshua – strong, brave Joshua - is preparing to die. Old and well advanced in years, he has summoned all of Israel’s leaders to share some crucial last words (Joshua 23-24). Joshua knows the people well. He knows they are drawn to rebellion. This is his last opportunity for instruction.
Though written thousands of years ago, Joshua’s words are words for today. For this generation and the next. Let’s lean near his tent and soak up his last moments.
“I am old and advanced in years,” he began. “You have seen everything the LORD your God has done…it was the LORD your God who fought for you” (Joshua 23:3). A good reminder. We see God’s deliverance and then can quickly forget.
Joshua went on: “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning to the right or left.” Obeying God’s Word is always a good idea.
“Hold fast to the LORD your God,” he encouraged in verse 8. We hold fast to many people and things. Holding fast to the LORD is best. When storms come, when floodwaters rise, He needs to be our Rock, our foundation.
In verse 11, Joshua said, “Be very careful to love the LORD your God.” The internet says be careful means: to pay close attention to what you are doing so you can avoid accidents, mistakes, harm, or damage. So, yes, Joshua, what you said. Pay close attention, people, to loving the LORD.
I love verse 14: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled, not one has failed.” God’s promises are good. He does not fail. He. Keeps. His. Word.
After a short history lesson, Joshua says words that pack a punch. “Now fear the LORD and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”
He wasn’t finished. “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose you this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
At 110 years old, Joshua was still choosing to serve the LORD and trying to get others to do likewise.
It has been a roller coaster ride through the book of Joshua in our Sunday School class. I am saddened by his passing. He served the LORD faithfully.
Choose you this day whom you will serve. Serving the LORD is a choice…a daily choice.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife, newspaper columnist, and the author of Weiner Stew: Inspiring Stories from Appalachia. She also has a Christmas book called A Heart Full of Christmas. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
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