There is an interesting story in the book of Joshua chapters 23 and 24. The story is about the man, Joshua, one of the leaders of the Children of Israel.

Joshua was old, but in his last days he had some things he needed to tell God’s people. He had seen them through some difficult times, and he wanted to give them some final instructions before he left them. He called for the leaders of the people, their elders, heads, judges, and officers. So, he started with the top men of the nation.

He took this opportunity to remind them of some things that had happened as they traveled into this new land. He reminded them of all the things they had seen the Lord do for them: how God had won battles against their enemies; how God had given them the land of their enemies; how God had been with them every step of the way.

Then Joshua gave them the first of their instructions. He said, “Therefore be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them” Joshua 23:6-7 ESV.

Joshua knew it would take strength to continue in a land where there was idolatry, so he also told them in verse 8 to “cleave to the Lord.” In verse 11 he told them to “love the Lord your God.” Verses 12 and 13 tell us why he said this. He warned them not to marry people of other nations because they would be led away, and they would eventually be destroyed.

As chapter 24 begins, Joshua gathered all the tribes together, as well as the leaders. On this occasion he reminded the people that their “fathers” had been idol worshippers, and how God had chosen Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel. God led the people from captivity in Egypt and had defeated the nations as they traveled toward Jordan and even on the other side of the Jordan River.

Then he gave them his final words. He told them to serve God in sincerity and in truth, put away the gods or idols, and serve the Lord. Then comes the famous scripture with which we are more familiar. He told them in verses 15 and 16 of chapter 24 to choose which side they would serve, God or the gods of these heathen people. Then he says, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The people responded that they too would serve the Lord, and Joshua told them what would happen to them if they forsook the Lord. He said that God would turn against them and destroy them.

When the people had made their promise, Joshua wrote their promise in the book of the law of God. He placed a stone by the sanctuary of the Lord as a memorial of this vow the people made. Then the people went to “their own inheritance” (Joshua 24:28).

This inheritance was the land that had been divided among the tribes. This was land distributed by Joshua according to the instructions of God. Now it is all up to the people to do what they promised, because Joshua died.

So what did the people do with their inheritance? They served God all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua. Then they began to fight against other nations. God was with them and allowed them to destroy many of the nations, but trouble began when they began to allow people of these nations to live.

You see, God wanted these other nations destroyed so they would not influence the Israelites to worship their gods. But Israel forgot their promise. In allowing these people to survive, they began to intermarry and be influenced by their ways. Eventually, God destroyed His people because they refused to serve Him.

What about our inheritance? Do we have one? In the book of Acts 20, Paul spoke to the elders in the church at Ephesus. Paul told them what they needed to do in verses 28-30: “…feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

In verse 32 he said, “I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” This is our inheritance. It is much like the inheritance given to the Children of Israel. Paul started with the leaders in the church at Ephesus, just as Joshua did. He gave them warnings and instructions.

Nothing has changed. There are still people following after “modern-day idols.” They are still being influenced by strange doctrines. We must stand firm in our belief in God’s Word and fully obey God’s commandments.

Sandra Oliver