ESOCS Devotional 8 September 2022
TEXT: JOSHUA 24: 14-25
MEMORY VERSE: “Then get rid of those foreign gods that you have, ‘he demanded,’ and pledge your loyalty to the Lord, God of Israel.” – Joshua 24:23 GNB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In verse 14 of our text, Joshua bade the children of Israel to ensure they serve God with all faithfulness. He went ahead to demand that they should cast away all foreign gods that their fathers served. Moreover, in vs. 15, he went further to challenge them to decide whom they prefer to serve – stating that his entire family will serve the only True God – the God of Israel.
It is clear to note that God did not work against the freewill of the people to this point in their history. He would not also make their choices for the future. As far as God was concerned, their destiny, as a nation lied in their hands. Without doubt, they were responsible for their choices. However, following God’s goodness to them thus far, it could only have been reasonable for them to choose to remain in obedience to the perfect Will of God. And what will be the Will of God in this context? To serve Jehovah, and Him alone. The Only True God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warned against the contradiction of serving two masters – serving God and mammon. James 1:8 abhors a double minded person, who, to him, is always unstable in his ways.
In the present day, some persons have exalted wealth and riches to the status of gods. Some worship human authorities, for what they stand to gain. These days, some Christians would do, just anything, to acquire wealth and other monetary gains. 1 Timothy 6:10, warns about the love of money, which to him, roots to all manners of evil – including idolatry. Some have coveted after money, erred from their faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. In the same vein, Jesus Himself wondered what is a man profited if he should gain the whole world and lose his soul.
Child of God, are you among those who have turned wealth and riches to gods? Or are you among those who have turned aside to witchcraft or the occult? Remember the admonition of Joshua: put away the strange gods. Look only to Jesus, and live. He is the sole author and finisher of our faith.
CHALLENGES: The occult is the easiest way to ensure one makes it in life. Do you agree?
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, you are God and Lord forever. I will serve and worship only you forever. So, help me Lord. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Daniel 10: 1-14; Matthew 9: 1-8; 1 Peter 5: 1-14
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ESOCS Devotional 8 September 2022
