WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: A well-crafted narrative has a good ending. This doesn’t mean that the loose ends are always tied up, but it does mean that we feel satisfied with the story. Today we will experience a good ending. No compromise Joshua’s story was well-received and ended well, as the people agreed to serve the living God (v 18). However, because there was a chance that their decision might simply have been an emotional response to fine words, Joshua makes sure the people understand the consequences. Following God is about committing totally to his will (v 23) and his ways (v 25). So to serve God wholeheartedly means to leave behind the old life in its entirety (v 23) as there is no space for compromise with God. There is no such thing as ‘cheap grace’. The formula is simple: obedience is a consequence of faith and is evidenced through service. A good ending Joshua had reached the age of 110 and had lived through turbulent times when his faith must have been tested to the uttermost. Despite the pressures, Joshua had retained a clear, spiritual vision. He had kept his eyes on God; through Joshua’s example and empowered by his leadership, all Israel had also followed the one, true God (v 31a). What a good ending to a long life of faith! Respond: Today we have been challenged to recommit our whole lives to serving God. Take a moment to ask God what changes you might need to make in order to follow him. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-16