The greatest commander, who won a series of battles in the name of the Lord, toward his old age, challenged the Israelites by dedicating his family to the True and Living God. “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Forgetfulness is common among people, even after knowing and seeing the wonderful acts of God on their behalf; hence, a reminder is necessary to evoke the renewal of faith, as Joshua did: Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled” (Joshua 24:16-17).  It takes a great effort to know the difference between gods and the God, but a greater dedication is needed to throw away the idols of gods; hence Joshua challenged them at Shechem: “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him” (Joshua 24:23-24).  Let’s take a moment, and rededicate our families unto the True and Living God.

Abba, thank You for strengthening our faith by Your mighty acts. Let Your Spirit keep us united with You, all the time. In Jesus’ Most Merciful Name, Amen.