CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (If you want to read about specific themes in this series, send me an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

DAY 14: NEW HOPE ... WHEN OUR GOD FIRST SET (THE ISRAELITES FREE?)

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Come with me back in time to the year 1372 B.C. The Israelites now reside for the past 50 years in the promised land of Canaan. Today they have gathered in the town of Shechem to listen to their 110-year-old leader, Joshua who will be speaking to them about God.

Do you see Joshua now leaning forward on his cane before he starts his speech in which he reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River,and they worshiped other gods.  But I took your ancestor Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him into the land of Canaan. I gave him many descendants through his son Isaac. . . Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I brought terrible plagues on Egypt; and afterward I brought you out as a free people.

‘But when your ancestors arrived at the Red Sea,the Egyptians chased after you with chariots and charioteers. When your ancestors cried out to the Lord, I brought the sea crashing down on the Egyptians, drowning them. With your very own eyes you saw what I did. Then you lived in the wilderness for many years.

 ‘When you crossed the Jordan River and came to Jericho, the men of Jericho fought against you. . . But I gave you victory over them.And I sent terror ahead of you to drive out the two kings of the Amorites. It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory. I gave you land you had not worked for, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. . .’”

Why did God remind the Israelites of the past? He knew when we look back at the past and remember where He protected us and where He gave us breakthroughs, it becomes easier for us to trust him for breakthroughs in the present. However, God never forced the Israelites to worship Him, but still gave them a choice: They could serve Him or they could worship idols. Both decisions however had consequences.

In Joshua 24:15 Joshua closes his speech with the clear decision by him and his family: “Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

In Shechem, the Israelites (even those who become involved in idolatry), turned back to God to worship Him. In response to their decision Joshua erected a huge statue to remind them of their decision. And because they decided to worship God, He blessed and protected them.

You too are standing at a point today where you can decide to either put God first in your family, marriage, work and life or where you can allow yourself to be carried away by worldly practices. What will your choice be? Remember; your decision will have an effect on you and your family! God bless.

Father God, thank you for not forcing me to serve you, but that you give me a choice. I choose today to manage my life so that your name will be glorified thereby. Please guide me in every decision with your wisdom. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

* Read the whole speech of Joshua in Joshua 24.

** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.