In Joshua, chapter twenty-four, verse sixteen, the promise of the people to serve only the Lord was to keep, but only as long as Joshua and the elders lived. Not long after Joshua’s death, the people forsook the Lord and began serving other gods. Joshua was the leader of the people since taking over the responsibility of Moses, who he was previously under. Moses’ successor had the privilege of having a close relationship with him and receiving wisdom, knowledge, and understanding on a personal level. However, the situation for the children of Israel was slightly different.
The children of Israel did know Joshua was the leader and speaker on behalf of God. Still, did they know him enough to follow the commandments God spoke through him in the past to continue their relationship with God? The elders were left to carry on, but not enough for the Israelites to resume their path with God. Joshua warned them in this chapter from verses seventeen through twenty:
The people of Israel responded to Joshua at the time, “Nay, but we will serve the Lord.” Yet, when Joshua was no longer in their presence, they went back on their word. Actions speak louder than words. Talking about the talk is very easy to say. However, walking the walk is a challenge to do.
Today, some people serve God for the wrong reasons, and God knows that. Still, despite the wrong approach, God’s mercy is available to all if we acknowledge our faults and allow Him to guide us in the way we should go. Today, there are members in various churches who will not be serving God if the pastor or leader is no longer around. The situation is possible because some church-goers rely on ministers to know the Word of God instead of them knowing it themselves. How could this relationship be right?
People forsake the Lord by depending upon leaders to get insight into God’s Word, prayer, worship, praising, and singing. If the pastor is not there at church, what will they do? Would they not do these things on their own time?