Defining Two Other Gods

Scripture: Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Observation: While the last clause of this verse is famous - it is even on a framed picture in this very room - the first part describes the alternative to serving Yahweh. The alternative is to serve other gods, and Joshua describes two different options, the gods of their ancient ancestors, and the gods of the local nations they have conquered. 

It seems these two options represent two lifestyles or sets of priorities available to fix as primary in one's life. One option is the path of success and prosperity. This was important to Abraham's family, as evidenced by the behavior of Laban. The family sought earthly comfort and success. They desired to have the largest and best flocks, servants, and successful estates. The second option is the path of desire and pleasure. The dispossessed nations honored fertility, and gave honor to false gods who would bring about sexual success. They desired physical pleasure and pursued it daily, placing their minds to it so often that it became part of their supernatural pursuits.

Interestingly, by rejecting these gods and honoring the Lord, Israel receives both. Abraham became abundantly rich, and receiving that blessing of earthly comfort was passed to the entire nation. Meanwhile, the nation reproduced at such a rate that they increased from a dozen to a million in the course of a few generations, clearly receiving physical pleasure they wanted. However, they achieved all this while remaining true to the commands of the Lord, and while worshipping Yahweh.

Application: These two 'gods' remain at the forefront of mankind today. Most humans seek riches that provide earthly comfort, and/or sexual pleasure in various forms. When told to make a choice, these are almost always the two alternatives to Jesus that others pursue. They fail to see that, while they may be independent of Jesus and certainly must be subordinate to faith in the Lord, they are not exclusive of Jesus.

Me and my house ... we choose to serve the Lord. Whatever comes with that is secondary, for the Lord is our portion. I am comfortable in the knowledge that anything I need, he will provide.

Prayer: Lord, I have permanently chosen you. I have no other gods before or after you. I wish I made better choices on a moment-by-moment basis, but for my life and hope you are my Lord and my God. May I serve and worship you better every day. Amen.