JDL - Direction Fifty-three - Whose choosing who?

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15 (ESV))

Too often the first part of this passage from Joshua is quoted as a teaching that we are to choose Jesus as our personal Savior. Unfortunately, too often the context is omitted and the whole verse is disregarded. The context of these words is this, that Joshua is speaking to the already saved children of Israel. These words are not a part of an evangelistic message meant for people outside the faith (the Jewish faith in this context).

The second thing you might notice is that Joshua does not give any credence to the ability of the people to choose the right god. Notice that the two options he puts forth from which the people may choose are “the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River,” or the second option, “the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.” Both of these options, both of these gods are false gods. The one true God is not an option.

Joshua understands our human nature. We are conceived and born in sin (Ps. 51:5). Every inclination of man’s heart is evil (Gen. 6:5). Joshua understands that in and of ourselves, apart from the Holy Spirit working in and through us, we cannot choose what is good, right or salutary, let alone Jesus. But this is okay, because it is not our choosing Jesus that is important, rather what is important is His choosing us.

Do you remember being a child on the playground at recess? Two captains were chosen to pick teams. Your best friend was the captain of one team, and you chose with your whole heart to be on his/her team. But did it really matter that you chose to be on their team? What really mattered was that they chose you to be on their team. Does it really matter if we choose Jesus? Or is it what really matters is that Jesus has chosen us to be on His team?

We err. We make mistakes. God never errs. God never makes mistakes. We may choose or at least think we choose God, then we may un-choose him. We are fickle. God always gets it right, and He has chosen us; before the foundations of the world were laid, He knew us. He called us by name. At our baptism He puts faith in our hearts. Through His Holy Word He strengthens and keeps us in faith. He is the one doing the doing and we know He gets it right.

I am confident in my salvation even though I have not chosen Jesus as my Savior because I know He has chosen me and directs me as His child. And I have a lot more confidence in His doing than in my own doing.

Think About
How often have you made a decision only to later think you made the wrong decision? Do you think God does the same thing?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. Forgive me when I arrogantly think I have chosen You. Help me to continually remember that You chose me and You always get it right, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.