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What Joshua Did Not Say
What Joshua Did Not Say
In his farewell address, Joshua stands before the representatives of all the tribes of Israel and tells them to make a decision. He says they can either turn from God and serve idols, or they can turn to God and serve Him. Joshua told them what his decision was: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The leaders who represented the nation of Israel agreed, saying, “God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods” (Joshua 24:16). I am so thankful for Joshua and his dedication. I am also grateful for what Joshua did not say. I am thankful Joshua did not say, “My family will serve the Lord without me.” So many wives and children serve God without fathers. Fathers should be the spiritual leaders of the home. Fathers have an obligation to their families and God to set the spiritual tone of the home. God give us faithful fathers! I am thankful Joshua did not say, “I will serve the Lord without my family.” Sadly, some fathers must serve the Lord on their own, because they have wives who refuse to follow their lead. Fathers must maintain their faithfulness, and one day they may win their families to Christ. I am thankful Joshua did not say, “My family and I will not serve the Lord.” Entire families will be lost eternally because they refuse to serve the Lord. I cannot help but think greater punishment will come upon fathers who have the duty of leading the home in the way it should go. May God give us Christian homes!
