Joshua 23:1-4 - Chosen to Serve

Joshua 24 could be called Joshua’s farewell address! These are his final words to the nation just before he dies (Joshua 24:29). In chapter 23, Joshua called the leaders of the people together at either Shiloh where the tabernacle was set up, or at Ephraim the home of his inheritance.   In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel and leaders to come to Shechem and present themselves before God (v. 1). It is there in this ideal location that he gives this moving farewell address reminding the people one final time of the importance of remembering their history going back to Abraham.   It was at Shechem that God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land (Gen. 12:6-7). This is the place that Jacob built an altar after he returned to Canaan. Genesis 33:20, “Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.”  The literal meaning of this name is, “God, the God of Israel.” Shechem was located between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim, and you might remember this is where the people of Israel had reaffirmed their commitment to the Lord in Joshua 8:30-35. Shechem was indeed "holy ground" to the Israelites.   In Joshua 23, the key words appear to be “nation and land” in Joshua's first address. But here in Joshua 24, the name LORD (Jehovah), is the major focus in this second address. Joshua refers to the LORD twenty-one times. In fact, in 24:2-13, it is the LORD who speaks as Joshua reviews the history of the nation.   Another key word is “serve” in Joshua 24. This word is used fifteen times in this address. Jehovah gave them their land and would bless them in their land if they loved Him and served Him. God didn’t give them this “good land” just to set back and enjoy all the blessings of it for themselves. They were to serve the LORD God of Israel and make His name great to all the nations of the earth. This reminds us that we have been saved to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and share Him with the nations today!   In Joshua 24:2-4, Joshua begins his review of the history of Israel by reminding the people of how God chose and called their fathers, Terah, Abraham, and Nahor, who were idol worshippers on the other side of the River. (Gen. 11:27-12:9). And how God led Abraham to this land of Canaan and multiplied his descendants. And how God gave Abraham Isaac, and to Isaac He gave Jacob and Esau.   Stephen in his own farewell speech declared in Acts 7:2, "The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham," reminding the Jews that their national identity was an act of God's grace. Abraham didn't seek after God and discover Him; it was God who came to Abraham! There was nothing special about the Jews that God should choose them (Deut. 7:1-11; 26:1-11; 32:10); and this fact should have kept them humble and obedient.   "You did not choose Me," Jesus told His disciples, “But I chose you and appointed you that you should bring forth fruit…." (John 15:16). Believers were chosen in Christ "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4) and are called "God's elect" (Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1). I personally believe this calling and election is for service, not for salvation. Ephesians 2:10 I am born a citizen of our country, but I get chosen and elected to serve in a position of leadership. Every born-again believer is called to serve and bring forth fruit for the glory of God (John 15). I believe that the Scriptures teach that God desires that every person can and should experience His great salvation: “The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). “Jesus tasted death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). “…God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Paul proclaimed, that “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).   Today, do you know Jesus as your Savior? Today, are you serving Him?