Moses is gone, and Joshua is now responsible for leading Israel into the land God promised generations earlier.

God's message to Joshua is repeated again and again: “Be strong and courageous.” But Joshua's courage isn't supposed to come from confidence in his own abilities. God promises, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”

In Week 7 of The Story, John Gunter follows Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. At Jericho, God gives instructions that make little sense from a human perspective. Israel obeys, and the walls fall. But their next experience at Ai demonstrates that one victory does not mean they can stop listening to God. Faithfulness requires continued obedience.

Years later, Joshua looks back over everything he has experienced and gives God the credit. He reminds Israel that not one of God's good promises has failed.

Then Joshua recounts their story, from Abraham to Egypt, through the wilderness, across the Jordan, and into the land. After remembering everything God has done, he asks Israel to respond:

“Choose this day whom you will serve.”

Joshua's own decision has already been made:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Our history with God should shape the way we move into the future. When we remember how God has been faithful before, we can courageously trust and obey Him with whatever comes next.

Key Scriptures: Joshua 1:1-9; Joshua 6:1-20; Joshua 8:1-2; Joshua 23:1-14; Joshua 24:1-15

Series: The Story
Week 7: Choose Whom You Will Serve
Speaker: John Gunter

Eagle Community Church of Christ
Mont Belvieu, Texas

Loving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.