Nougat 31

As we reflect on the years past and look ahead to the new year; there are choices we must make regarding our spiritual lives. What will it be? Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To be a witness indicates that one wishes, or has been called upon, to give evidence (that is, provide facts) about a specific person or situation. The Children of Israel were stating that they were testifying on their own behalf (bearing witness against themselves) about their actions.

At this point in the text, Moses had long died; the Children of Israel were fully established in the Land of Promise; and Joshua, Moses’ successor, was demitting office. From his perspective, Joshua didn’t see much that made him confident that the Children of Israel would remain faithful to God or God’s Laws. He spoke for his own household, over whom he had control, assuring that they would remain faithful to God. And, when the Children of Israel affirmed their commitment to the faith of their fore-parents; Joshua helped them see that their decision would be used as the litmus test of their commitment in the future.

As proof of their commitment, Joshua demanded that they discard ALL idols. For Joshua, the foreign gods were proof that the Children of Israel were not wholly committed to YHWH, the Holy God of Israel. Ironically, Jesus alludes to this in His earthly walk, by insisting we cannot serve multiple gods (Matthew 6:24). This was a key point of the Sermon on the Mount.

What we see then, is that our call to follow Christ is serious business. Of a truth, Salvation is free (at least from our side of eternity). For Jesus Christ bridged the gulf created by ALL sin. In so doing, our access to the Land of Promise (ie Heaven) is guaranteed.

However, there are some entry requirements. For, whereas the Promised Land of old offered security for the Children of Israel for their lifetime – Providing they remained Faithful – the Land of Promise offered by Jesus to ALL who believe is our Forever Home. It’s the original Gated Community and comes with eternal warranty. And since it’s beyond this lifetime we not only receive it in faith, but we also need to act Faithfully to secure our space.

Hence our needing to choose God’s Way and denounce ALL idols: whether self, money, work, politics, people, drugs, cars, status, race or sex; to name a few. If we’re somewhat unclear about what idols we need to get rid of; I strongly suggest that we have a serious long talk with God. I would not even attempt to make that call; despite some of us journeying through the nougats over the past several years. That is NOT my portfolio! However, God’s Spirit knows our lives and our hearts and is ready and available to guide us in getting rid of ALL our gods.

We have the opportunity this last day of 2021 to make our individual choice. While we do not know what our tomorrow looks like, whether we’ll be on this side of eternity; we know the God who does. Will we choose the God of Joshua, Rahab and Miriam; by calling on God’s Spirit today? I will. Let’s do this.

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May all we seek be found in Christ