September 17, 2001

Lessons for September 30

FAMILY BIBLE STUDY:
Your life's work should wait for your last words
___ Joshua 23:1-24:27
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___Think for a moment about the people that have made a great impact on your Christian life. What are their names? How was the connection made in establishing a relationship? What kept the relationship going? Thriving? How did this person challenge you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of God? Do you remain in contact with this person, or have you both gone your separate ways for various reasons? Is this person alive now? Finally, did you ever tell them face-to-face the impact that was made on your life because of the investment and nurturing they bestowed on you?
___A friend once told me not to wait until after someone has died to give flowers. She was saying to tell the person now, while they still live, the words of thankfulness and appreciation for the impact made on my life as a growing Christian. I've never forgotten those wise words.
___Let's suppose now the clock has moved ahead in years. The time is imminent for this dear Christian friend or family member. He or she has nurtured and taught you for years, and you can't imagine life without them. Death is coming, and you waste no time to go and sit by their bedside. Instead of tears or regret, she reminds you of the past and what you both have learned and discovered together about God's great love, generosity, protection and provision over the years. She reminds you of the great blessings God has bestowed on both of you. You smile and remember. You nod in agreement as you relive and cherish those vivid memories in your mind. She encourages you to remain faithful and loyal to the Father and to be obedient in all his teachings.
___In reading Joshua's farewell speech, knowing he would soon die, I couldn't help but think of what it would be like to have someone encourage me so. To hear the words Joshua heard when he was first selected to be the new leader and now on his impending death, "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left" (23:8).
___Joshua cared for his people. He loved them. They were family and friends. He exhorted them to love and obey God. He knew the best thing he could do before he died was to simply remind the ones he loved about God's greatness, his law, his demand for obedience and for total commitment.
___Out of love and compassion Joshua called attention to weak points in the Israelite's lives. He didn't do it to be mean, but he knew his people and where they were vulnerable. Joshua was specific in naming the various temptations (vv. 7-13). He reminded the people of God's anger and what his wrath would be like if disobedience took place. Joshua gave warning of the consequences of disobedience.
___Basically, the truth for all of us is that the Lord is God. We are to choose to serve and obey him and him alone above all others. And why not? The reminder of God's faithfulness to us is found in verse 14, "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed."
___Will you serve God whole-heartedly, be completely faithful and obedient to him and serve no other god? What kind of gods am I referring to? Anything that gets in your way of total focus on him--work, hobby, school, money, popularity or church service. Yes, all those and more can be obstacles if our motivations are wrong.
___Reread 24:15 and notice that what we quote and sing about most often is the last phrase, "... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Now focus on the first part of the verse and stop when you reach the word "undesirable." Joshua said if you are not willing to serve God or it has become undesirable to you, then make your choice now of whom you will serve.
___Is it hard for you to imagine why it would be undesirable to serve our God? It all depends where you are in your spiritual walk and what temptations are at your feet. It is a daily choice to serve and follow God. Remember what was stated early on, you are a human being, and self can get in the way. Therefore, reaffirming the choice of serving God on a daily basis would be a good check and balance. It would cause you to evaluate and make a commitment one way or another.
___Move the clock ahead again and imagine yourself preparing to die. You have called your family members by your side. You want to share final words of love, encouragement and challenge in serving the Lord your God. What would your heart say?

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