There Is Another Verse In Joshua 24?

It's not uncommon for us to encounter some form of decoration, especially in the home of Christians, which reference Joshua 24:15. Most of us know the phrase by heart.

"....but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Why only the last quarter of the verse is used and not the previous 14 and three quarters is beyond me. Why wouldn't they want even the next nine verses listed also? There is a context here that is very important for Christians.  In fact, a great foundation is being laid in this chapter not only for the history of the Church but also as an example for her. Besides, how awesome would it be to have the entire twenty fourth chapter of Joshua painted across your wall? But that's another topic for another time.


What I'm talking about now is what is said after this portion of scripture. Sure, as I've mentioned, the context to which this phrase is firmly rooted is often glazed over in favor of cheap "market theology Christianity." We forget the importance of Joshua reminding the people of the false gods their fathers served "on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt," warning them of "the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell," and how the children of Israel said repeatedly that they would serve the Lord. That is Joshua 24:1-24 in a nutshell. This chapter concludes the book with Joshua setting up a stone of witness for the people to remember the promises and works of God (Joshua 21:45), sending them off for their inheritance, and recording the death of Joshua and the elders that served alongside him. So what else is there to pay attention to?

"And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel."  - Joshua 24:31

What a testament to the ministry of Joshua and the elders! I had to read it several times to make sure I didn't read it incorrectly. Israel, all of Israel, served God all the days of Joshua and even the elders that outlived him. Does this mean they lived without sin? Of course not. Again, the context is dealing with worshiping false gods. But if you know anything about the history of Israel, and I know little myself, you know that Israel time and again fell into idolatry. We know they sinned and worshiped other gods soon afterwards. It even became a common occurrence for Israel. But for a season, under his care, they served the Lord.

How about us? What is the goal for our pastors? What would verify the works of our elders and deacons? Would merely having a head count of the people they've seen converted be a testament of their love for God and His blessing upon their work? (Sadly modern Christianity has considered head counts as the sole redeeming quality of the many vain efforts being sent about. Thank God a reformation is taking place and this school of thinking, among others, is being revealed as fraudulent and is diminishing.)

Pastors, elders, and deacons, concerning your ministry, is there anything greater to give glory to God for than that His flock served Him all the days of your ministry and in the years after your death? Not to diminish seeing souls won for God or saints edified and cared for as you guide them along in sanctification, but how sweet would the savor be to know that those souls whom God put in your care continued to serve Him without wavering from the faith even after your glorification?

How is this done? Trust God, and keep your eyes and those of the flock on Jesus. We know His voice.

In all things let us never forget, to God alone be glory!