Lives That Impact Lifetimes

Text: Joshua 24:16-33 Theme: The lives of Joshua and the elders inspired the Israelites of their day to follow the Lord. Key verses: “Joshua said to the people, ‘You are not able to serve the Lord…He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.'” (v. 19) “But the people said to Joshua, ‘No! We will serve the Lord. Then Joshua said, ‘You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.'” (v. 21-22) “On that day, Joshua made a covenant for the people and…drew up for them decrees and laws.” (v. 25) “‘See!…This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us.” (v. 27) “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.” (v. 31) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is a powerful and appropriate epilogue to the life of Joshua. He had lived his entire life to honor me and more than half his life leading my people. He was a fearless (of the people) leader. In this last chapter, when they said they too would follow me, he rebuked them, even defied them. He said they couldn’t follow me. His fierce protest and warnings caused them to be even more determined to “prove him wrong” and live up to their words. He was a creative leader as well. Only creative leaders would think to call a rock, a mere stone, a “witness” that heard everything those Israelites had committed to. Joshua was a thorough leader that laid in place what was necessary to help them maintain their consecration. He wrote decrees and laws for them and put in my book of the Law. Finally, Joshua’s legacy continued far after his death. The elders he had poured his life into also remained faithful to me throughout their lives. These men had witnessed first hand my miracles and faithfulness to Israel as they claimed the promised land. Now those same elders inspired and challenged the next generation below them to follow me whole-heartedly, which they did as long as the elders lived. What I said to God: LORD, I hear and accept Your words to me through your Word today. A life of faithfulness yields other lives of faithfulness. My life should and will inspire and challenge my family, my sons, my friends and some I don’t even know to follow my God. Wow, what a great honor. What a tremendous responsibility to stay strong and determined to finish well. Make me the creative and bold and thorough leader You want and intend for me to be. Thank You, Holy and Awesome God, that You are able to keep me from falling and to use my life to impact others for You. I am humbled and emboldened by the thought…