TUESDAY APRIL 14
Text: Joshua 23:6-13
KEY VERSE: “Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you” (Joshua: 23:13).
The tragedy of serving two masters is that it puts on the supposed servant the onerous responsibility of constantly ‘adjusting’ his loyalty based on anticipated favours from each master, rather than the master’s demand. He will end up rendering eye-service. “No man can serve two masters”, the Scriptures states emphatically.
Joshua succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader. He had led them over the years and had been used of God in various mighty ways. Now, he was approaching the end of his life and needed to drum it into their ears the conditions for God’s protection and security. He harped continuously on separation from the surrounding heathen nations in all matters of marriage and worship as the Lord had commanded through Moses. He did not stop just at that; he proceeded to list out inescapable consequences of their disobedience: the traps, scourges and thorns that would afflict them until they perished.
Likewise, ministers and leaders in God’s house must warn the congregation against sin. The conditions that the people faced in Bible days are obviously prevailing today. Unequal yoke in marriage, business and false worship characterise the lifestyle of many so-called Christians today. Believers must be warned to resist with all vehemence, all attraction to unequal yoke and ungodly relationships.
As you go out today, do not give in to worldly pressure to join evil doers. Be determined and trust in the power of God to carry you through. After all, Christ has promised in the Scriptures that “my grace is sufficient for thee”.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: No man can serve two masters.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 15-17
