Good Intentions

We have made no shortage of commitments with good intentions that we failed to accomplish. Some commitments are made too flippantly. Other commitments are made with great conviction and forethought. Nonetheless, there is a big difference between the things we intend to do and the things we actually accomplish or fulfill. 

Last week, we looked at the decision that Israel had to make. Joshua called them to choose for themselves, this day, who they were going to serve. As a great leader, Joshua immediately made his decision public. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

The nation responds with a heartfelt commitment to obey and serve the Lord and enjoy His blessings. Joshua's response to their words was nothing short of shocking:

"But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good (Joshua 24:19-20” 

As Joshua 24 comes to an end, we are sobered by the limits of human intentions, the fickleness of commitments, and the prediction of the eventual failure of Israel to fulfill their commitment. Is it possible for us to finish faithful and if so, how?