THECONTEXT FORRENEWAL IN THEHOME
How do we “prepare the way” for revitalizing life in the family?
First we must make the commitment to see it happen.In Joshua 24 the
Israelites are called to gather in the Valley of Shechem to hear Joshua,
their legendary leader, give his final address. In his talk he reminds the
Israelites, the family of God, of their wonderful history and incredi-
ble heritage. He recounts the faithfulness of God and underlines the
mark and signature of God’s blessing, protection, and provision
throughout their history and pilgrimage.
But as he looks into the faces before him, Joshua realizes that not
everyone is as full of gratitude and appreciation for God’s faithfulness
as they should be. In fact some of them at best have “convenient”
memories and at worst are obstinate and rebellious. He probably rec-
ognizes a few people who, no matter what he says, are going to do
what theywant to do. Against this backdrop Joshua boldly draws a line
in the sand. He forces the people to make a choice, a decision:
Now, therefore, fear the LORDand serve Him in sincerity and truth; and
put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in
Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve
the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the
gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods
of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD.
—JOSH. 24:14-15, NASBJoshua wants this family of God to decide where their loyalty and
devotion will be. Make up your mind! What are you going to do?
Whom are you going to serve? To whom will you give your ultimate
allegiance? Even this great warrior of God realizes that he cannot make
up their minds for them. As their leader he has done what God has
told him to do. He has instructed them. He has relayed God’s expec-
tations and directives, but he knows that now they must make the
choice.
Every parent needs a similar perspective. We cannot make our
children walk faithfully with the Lord. There has been much erro-
Renewal in the Home 219