Last Words from a Great Leader

Joshua 24:14-25

God worked through Joshua’s life in a powerful way. His life and the journey of Israel to the Promised Land provides great insight into the character and strength of God and how we should respond to Him. In this passage, Joshua gives a farewell address and makes a charge to the people Israel before his death. Joshua 24:14-25

Think about these ideas about final words:

  • Final words are chosen carefully
  • Final words are focused on the needs of the audience
  • Final words from credible sources should be heeded

In the first part of Joshua 24, Joshua reminds the people of Israel about God’s powerful acts and His faithfulness. Then starting in verse 14, he charges Israel to fear God and serve Him with faithfulness. He also charges them to throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the river and in Egypt. Choosing to serve the Lord becomes the focus of verse 15. Joshua 24:15 is the most famous verse in the book of Joshua. It says,

“But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.”

At the end of his life, Joshua challenged the people of God to follow his example by worshiping and serving God alone.

Clear Application for Today

  • Final words are important.
  • Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past helps us follow Him in the present.
  • Who we worship and serve is a choice all must make.
  • Fathers are the leaders of the family who can make this decision to honor God for the whole family.
  • God desires our worship, service, and allegiance.