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MY HOUSE WILL SERVE THE LORD

As we wrapped up the book of Joshua, we came to a familiar passage:

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15 NLT)

In the time of Joshua and the Old Testament, the deal God made with the people of Israel was:
 a) keep your promise to follow me and I will bless you and
 b) if you don't I will judge you.

Israel made a deal with God. God is affirming that deal in this context.  

Jesus came and made a "new deal." He was the one who paid for everything and bought us. For us everything comes to us as a gift. Salvation and much more. Remember God is building mansions in heaven too. Everything in the Christian life is front loaded...embracing this is vital for our love for God.  This sets us free to completely love Him. We can do it boldly--the Lord is my helper.

Here in this chapter (and in many places in the Old Testament) God is described as holy God and a jealous God.
We tend to see jealousy as a negative. But doesn't God really have the right to be jealous?  He has done EVERYTHING FOR US!  Why wouldn't He be offended when we scorn Him.

When we turn from Him, it's like we are spitting in His face. God is offended when we don't consider and honor Him for how special He is! Are you impressed with who God is? He is so jealous for you that He died for you!!! 

May today be a day of turning back to Him and being impressed and being totally in love with the one who gave everything for us!  May you and your house serve the Lord!