Dear Ones:
In the book of Joshua, where we read concerning his old age, and soon departure to be with the Lord, he writes: “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh. 24:15) The context of such a declaration to Israel is the atmosphere, and practice, of the temptation to worship other gods, “…the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt.” (v. 14) If ever there was a clear call to put off the world’s gods, its philosophy, its mindset…this is it. We are called to enter by a narrow gate, and to walk a narrow path. This is simply because the vast multitude of humanity is following some other path. Isaiah puts the matter of the world’s way in an unmistakable, and clear manner: “…we have turned everyone to HIS OWN WAY; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Is. 53:6) This broad way is simply that way which is our own way, and not that of Christ. In contrast to it, He declares Himself to be “the Way.” After Pentecost, those who followed Christ were said to be a group, belonging to “the Way.”
Why is it so important to come to grips with the matter of choice? When Jesus spoke of the house being built upon the rock (Himself), He was speaking of a life built upon truth, and Himself as the truth. It must be said at this point that all which is a contradiction to Christ and His word is NOT truth. How foolish to build one’s whole life upon that which is not true, presently and eternally true, everlasting. When Joshua uttered the afore-mentioned words concerning a choice, he was not just admonishing Israel to make a good choice, but an eternal one…one that was based upon absolute truth, reality.
It is increasingly believed in our society that “reality” is that which we “perceive” or feel, or even think. The problem with this perspective is that what we “believe” depends upon our own “reasoning,” rather than what is absolutely true. There are invisible physical laws that govern our physical universe. There are spiritual laws that govern our relationship with God, with Christ, which, though “invisible” are nonetheless as real as physical laws.
In Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, He prays to the Father that He would “…sanctify (the disciples) through Thy TRUTH.” Then He said, “THY WORD IS TRUTH.” (v.17) Jesus’ prayer is directed at the intervention of God in individual lives, and this by working according to the truth…His word. The point is that God works always according to His word. Why? Because, as He is truth, His word is also…
Choosing to serve Christ is to first of all choose Him as our truth, the Rock upon which we will build our house. Secondly, it means, to choose His word above all the philosophies, religions, and perspectives of men. Though this way is narrow, and comparatively speaking, there are few that walk thereon, it is eternally sure. “…As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord.” May this be our continuing choice today, and in the days to come.
Love, Dad