Moment With The Master
“Don’t Squander the Wealth”
Categories: Moment With The Master“I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. Now fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and truth…” (Josh. 24:13,14)
Prior to verse 13 Joshua reviews the history of Israel. God is reminding them of all he has done – “I gave, I brought, I delivered” you. Such a reminder is given to prepare them for the challenges of vs. 14,15. Israel must make a choice, either to serve Jehovah (the giver of all these things) or to serve false gods. The one choice is to show gratitude to God who gave them the land; the other choice is to squander the wealth!
How does Israel avoid this tragedy? First, they must put away the false gods. God is a jealous god. They must be devoted to him alone. Second, they must avoid the haughty spirit. Israel must not pride themselves in their wealth and forget from whence the riches came. They must remember Jehovah and be grateful. Thus, Joshua reminds them of how God drove out the enemy (vs.10) and gave them this rich land! Would they forget, and thus squander the wealth?
God has also richly blessed us. He has given us a Savior and a means of redemption. He has given us a reason to live and a victorious way to die. He has blessed us with God’s family, the greatest family on earth. We must not squander the wealth.
What will you do, my brother with these great blessings? First, you must put away the false gods. (I Jn. 5:21) God wants single minded devotion. Second, you must humble yourself before God and remember from whence the blessings come. (Jam. 4:10)
God has given us great opportunities. If they are wasted we will regret it eternally.
By George Slover
