May 4, Day 124 – Making Wise Choices

Joshua 23-24; Psalm 55:12-23: John 3:22-36

"In the Black Forest" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor on Paper

The major theme that resounds through all of our passages today is making wise choices. Our choices have consequences.  In Joshua 23-24, we see that Joshua is “about to go the way of all the earth” (verse 14), and he testifies that “you know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed.  Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” (verse 14).  Based on two lines of evidence, [1] Joshua’s own experience, and [2] the truth of God’s Word – both strong witnesses – Joshua testifies to God’s faithfulness, which is also consistent with David’s testimony later (cf., Psalm 55:19).  David says, “God is enthroned from of old; [He] does not change.”  When a man or woman who has served the Lord faithfully for most of his or her life and has proclaimed a testimony like this, it is not merely a sweet little maxim for good living and a future eulogy.  Joshua, David, and many others are saying that, after a lifelong pilgrimage on this earth, they have tested the truth and the principles of the Word of God, and found them to be fully reliable and certifiably trustworthy.  The Word of God can be trusted to guide us effectively through this life, and if we follow its path, we will come to the right end.  “But,” says Joshua, “if you violate the covenant of the LORD your God … you will quickly perish” (verse 16).  When I was a teenager, my Dad often warned me about the pitfalls of this life by saying, “A word to the wise is sufficient.”  Evidence within the text of Scripture – and apart from it – testifies to the validity of choosing obedience over disobedience to God.  Only a fool would choose to ignore a danger sign that points to the “Dead Man’s Curve” ahead. Joshua’s theme is “Be strong and very courageous …,” which is quoted from Moses and often repeated (cf., Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, and 23; Joshua 1:6, 7. 9; and 18; Joshua 10:25).  He warns the people “not to associate with the other nations” (verse 7), and he tells them to “fear the LORD and serve Him with all faithfulness (verse 14).  For this reason, chapter 24 presents a review and a renewal of God’s covenant with His people.  The book closes with Joshua’s death and a note that Joseph’s bones were brought up from Egypt and buried in the place of his inheritance.

In Psalm 55:12-23, we find that David also chooses to trust in the Lord – knowing that God is trustworthy – even when his former friend is not.  He says, “My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant, and though his speech is smooth as butter, yet his words are drawn swords” (verses 20-21).  Like Joshua, David is reminding us to make the conscious choice to be faithful to God and not to go astray – to “cast our cares on the LORD Who sustains us and will never let us fall” (verse 22).

In John 3:22-36, we read John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus.  John the Baptist admitted openly that he was not the Christ, and he stated clearly that the One Who came after him was “greater” (verse 30).  He “is from above and is above all” (verse 31), and he points out that “whoever rejects Him will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (verse 36).  Here, John shows the difference between choosing to trust in Jesus as God’s Son and choosing not to – the consequences will be drastic for everyone who refuses to accept Him because they remain under the wrath of God.  From each of these testimonies – Joshua, David, and John the Baptist – we can see that our choices are actively – not passively – made.  Thus, we must train our minds to seek the right thing, make the right choice, and ask for God’s help – like David did – seeking it “evening, morning, and noon” (cf., Psalm 55: 17).  God is worthy of our trust because He is immutable – He never changes.  Today we see that truth – which is never inconsistent – is from above; it comes from God Who is the Source of truth.  This is how David could say, “as for me, I trust in You [God]” (verse 23).  It’s why John asserts that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (verse 36).  And it’s the basis for Joshua’s challenge that we should “choose this day whom we will serve” (cf., Joshua 24:15).  Life, sustenance, and all good things flow from the truth of God, but disaster and death await those whose faith is misplaced.