Joshua recognized that the people of Israel had a propensity to worship other gods; therefore, he brought the tribes together and issued a challenge. In the beginning of this address, he laid out all of the things that God had done for them. Notice that Joshua did not challenge the people to accept God. He did not plead for them to seek God for provisions. Joshua‘s appeal was simple, really: God deserved their service. Too often people see God as a genie in a bottle to call on as needed. Yet we are to be at work serving the Lord with our lives because of what He has done for us, not just when we want something from Him. Joshua did not call on the people to share a post on Facebook declaring that they believe in God. Even Satan believes in God, but that doesn’t mean he serves God. Joshua issued a battle cry of a leader: “But ask for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.“ The question is still just as simple today. Whom do we serve?
