When a person is dying or near the end of their life their last words mean a lot. Usually, there is complete truth and honesty because there is nothing left to lose at this point. This usually gives people the freedom to say what is really and truly on their hearts. In fact, if a person is on their deathbed the words they speak are deemed to be so honest that they can even be used in court something known as a dying declaration. This brings us to the words of Joshua found in Joshua 24. This chapter is Joshua’s dying declaration. The verse that gets a lot of attention is 15. Show
What did Joshua mean by as for me and my house we will serve the Lord? This is a great question which when you understand Joshua’s dying declaration this statement will have even greater weight and value. What Did Joshua mean by ‘As for Me and My House We Will Serve the Lord’?To get the full context of this question let’s look at 14 and 15.
Within this verse, Joshua is making a declaration about what matters most to him and his household. He is stating clearly and without any doubt who he will serve. It didn’t matter to him what any other Israelite and their families decided to do he was establishing what was right for his house. In this chapter, Joshua begins by summoning the people of Israel together.
During this time, he takes them on a verbal history journey. Starting from the time when their ancestors did not know God to Abraham. He then systematically takes them through a history of God’s faithfulness and delivery of the people of Israel. He reminds them of everything God has done which has gotten them to this point and this leads to him asking them for a commitment. He literally asks them to choose and what will you do. This leads us to the point of this verse. To get the full context of this question, let’s look at 14 and 15.
Within this verse, Joshua is making a declaration about what matters most to him and his household. He is stating clearly and without any doubt who he will serve. It didn’t matter to him what any other Israelite and their families decided to do he was establishing what was right for his house. Why Is it Important to Serve the Lord?We know what Joshua means as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. This is a total commitment to follow God no matter what. That was good for Joshua and his household but what does that mean for you? What are some truths we see in these verses that are applicable to you and I right now? Here are four. 1. Everyone must decide on their own. 2. Miracles don’t always create movement. It’s quite possible some of the Israelites took the miraculous leading of God for granted and it wasn’t enough for them. The miracles didn’t move them closer to a relationship with God, it simply was par for the course. That’s why we should never just focus on God doing the miraculous in the body or outwardly, but God doing the miraculous in the heart. What good is the miraculous display if it doesn’t move the heart? Jesus healed many who remained unchanged in their heart. Those that were changed were those whose hearts were changed. 3. Past Blessing does not automatically mean continued blessing.
They were still being blessed as a nation, as a whole, but there were individuals who were harboring foreign gods. If this situation continued their blessing would eventually stop.
Joshua knew that to continue in God’s blessing it would require obedience. Knowing this I am convinced this is part of what Joshua meant when he said as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. 4. The decision must come out of your mouth.
Salvation and choosing to follow God is not just an inward decision. You also must declare it. The revelation and truth that is happening on the inside must come out. We talked earlier about a dying declaration well this is a living one. In order for the declaration to matter, it must be verbalized. There is no pleading the fifth when it comes to choosing to follow God. If you are going to follow Joshua’s lead that is wonderful don’t do it silently let it be known. As for Me and My House: A Final QuestionIt seems proper if we are talking about a decision to choose that the question be asked of you. Who will you serve? The truth is this is a choice you make not just one day but every day. There will always be things that will fight to get you to follow after them. These things will attempt to replace the number one place God should have in your heart. I encourage you to always search your heart and to always come back to the same place like Joshua did. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Further Reading: 'As for Me and My House' Important Verse Meaning What Does it Mean That "As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord"? What Is the Importance of 'As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord'? Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wave Break Media Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but can’t seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. "Be Still and Know that I Am God"
What is the meaning of Joshua 24 15?The meaning of Joshua 24:15 is a specific choice that is being given to the Israelites: Choose who you will serve between the one true God or the false gods. After giving the people their options, Joshua immediately makes known his choice: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
What did Joshua mean by As for me and my house we will serve the Lord?Joshua used his wisdom and love for God to set the example and declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua was determined to serve God no matter what anyone else thought. Heather Riggleman Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer. 2019 4 Dec.
What Bible verse is as for me and my house we will serve the Lord?“And Joshua said unto all the people [of Israel], … choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:2, 15). As in the days of Joshua, so it is with us today.
What does it mean to serve in the house of the Lord?Third, to serve God means to do His will and it includes doing what He commands us to do. It is not enough that we mentally recognize that there is a God, we must do what God commands us to do. In John 10:27, Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
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