In the book of Joshua, a powerful leader stood before the people of Israel on the cusp of entering the promised land. After forty years of wandering, Joshua, successor to Moses, delivered a profound challenge, a timeless invitation:
“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
These words, “choose this day whom you will serve,” resonate through centuries, echoing into our modern lives. They call us to pause, to reflect, and to make a conscious decision about our allegiances. In a world saturated with distractions and competing priorities, Joshua’s declaration is more relevant than ever.
Take a moment. Breathe.
In the midst of our busy lives, filled with anxieties and fleeting excitements, these words offer a grounding, a centering. Perhaps you are listening to this after a week of heightened emotions, a period of intense focus on worldly events. It’s easy to become consumed by the immediate, the urgent, the political.
Regardless of the daily headlines, regardless of the outcomes that capture our attention, the fundamental choice remains. Joshua’s message transcends any particular moment in history; it speaks to the core of human existence and spiritual direction.
We, like the Israelites of old, can often feel like we are wandering in a wilderness. This wilderness might be marked by personal struggles, societal tensions, or even global events that leave us feeling lost and uncertain. During these times, impatience, frustration, and even anger can creep in, clouding our judgment and straining our relationships. We might find ourselves griping, just as the early Hebrews did during their long journey.
To all of us, weary travelers in our own wildernesses, Joshua’s words offer a powerful anchor. Catch your breath. Take a moment to be still, to be present. Be the people of God, even for a little while.
Allow peace to enter your heart. Let it settle deep within you, reaching that part of your soul that longs for rest. In the midst of turmoil, there is a source of profound peace available to us.
Jesus himself offered this invitation, a promise of solace: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–30).
This invitation to find rest in Jesus is directly linked to the choice Joshua presented. Choosing whom we will serve is not just a one-time decision; it’s a daily affirmation, a constant realignment of our hearts and minds.
The tension and anxiety of modern life, with its constant demands and information overload, can be overwhelming. It’s healthy to be engaged with the world around us, to participate in our communities and societies. However, even good and necessary things can become idols if they consume us, if they eclipse our focus on God.
Consider the question: Can politics become a false god? Many spiritually thoughtful people, regardless of their political affiliations, recognize the danger of allowing any worldly pursuit to take the place of God in their lives. Politics, like career, wealth, or even family, can become an idol if it becomes the ultimate focus of our worship and devotion.
Throughout scripture, we see this pattern: people of God becoming enamored with things that were once good and purposeful, yet losing sight of the one, infinite God who surpasses all understanding. We, too, can fall into this trap. We can serve the “gods of our ancestors,” the traditions, habits, and values passed down to us, without critically examining whether they truly align with God’s will. We can serve the “gods of the Amorites,” the prevailing cultural norms and values of the society in which we live, even when they contradict our faith.
But Joshua urges us to “put them away.” To let go of these false gods, these distractions that pull us away from our true purpose. It’s time to step into a new land, a new way of living, centered on serving the Lord.
Just as the tribes of Israel once had diverse allegiances, we too are pulled in many directions. But Joshua’s declaration provides clarity: “choose this day whom you will serve… as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).
This is the choice before us today. This is the daily “vote” we cast with our lives.
As Christians, our identity transcends any political label or worldly affiliation. Our allegiance to Christ is primary. Giving our hearts and energy to worldly causes can be good and right for a time and a season, for the common good. But our deepest identity, our ultimate allegiance, lies elsewhere.
When we gather as the Church, whether physically together or connected across distances, we are making a conscious choice. We are choosing what Joshua chose. We are putting aside other gods, even those that seem appealing or comfortable. We are choosing to follow the one, holy, and infinite God, the God above all gods, the God who embodies justice, peace, mercy, and love in every generation. This God is revealed to us most fully in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Every Sunday, every day, regardless of the political climate or personal circumstances, offers us an opportunity to reaffirm this choice, our real vote. We serve Jesus. We follow Jesus, whose very name, in Hebrew, is Joshua! Jesus and Joshua, both beckon us with the same timeless invitation: “Choose this day—again and again—choose every day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Amen.
The Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
