JOSHUA 24:15 – “ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
I was a good soccer player in my younger (much younger) years. When teams were picked – I was usually chosen in the beginning. On the other hand I rarely hit the ball during softball games so I was usually the last one picked.
Kind of how the world works isn’t it? What have you done for me lately? So when we run across someone in our life who consistently chooses us - who remains supportive to us through warts and all … doesn’t that feel great? The loyalty (giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance) of a friend or spouse can make all the difference in our lives.
Imagine how God felt when Joshua stepped out and spoke the challenge to the Israelites to choose who they were going to give their loyalty to … and further cast his own loyalty publicly and without hesitation to the Lord.
Fierce loyalty – Joshua showed it. Nothing was moving Joshua from complete and fierce loyalty to the Lord. Before Joshua’s display, the Israelites too bowed before the Lord, remembering all He had done and vowing to serve.
People notice the times we are loyal as well as to whom we are loyal. Fierce loyalty can bring remarkable results.
I have several loyal people in my life – my husband is at the top of my list. But let me tell you about his brother, my brother-in-law, Randy. He has always been fiercely loyal to me. I am assuming he is a gift of God in my life. Randy has stood up for me against others … he has felt badly for me during hard times … he has rejoiced with me in good times. During the recent phase of my life as a floundering (and I do mean floundering) author - Randy has read my books – encouraged my writing – talked about my books to whoever will listen … he staunchly maintains I am a good author in spite of no tangible evidence. Given our relationship – I trust him – Randy would tell me if I was lousy. His loyalty has affected my life. I keep writing.
What about fierce loyalty in relation to God? Joshua showed how it’s done. He believed God, he stood up for God, he pressed others into considering God’s work in their lives … Joshua led the way by choosing in front of everyone that the Lord was God and no one else. People followed that lead.
Does God deserve our fierce loyalty? Well you do the math.
As for me … I choose this day to serve the Lord.