Given the realities of who God is, it makes perfect sense to serve him, does it not?

If the Lord is the all-powerful Creator who spoke the universe into being, then my life depends upon him. There is no point pretending that he does not exist. He has a legitimate claim over my life. But more than that, serving the Lord is not only reasonable on account of his power, but it is also desirable on account of his goodness and grace. If for the sake of argument, the Lord was not good nor gracious, then service would still make sense but it would not be joyful. Fear of punishment would drive our obedience, similar to what we find in a cruel dictatorship. However, grace changes things. Grace results in service that is satisfying, service that comes from a desire to honour God, service that flows from the joy of knowing his love.    

In the new covenant we find exactly the same motive given for service. In almost all of his letters the apostle Paul reminds us of God’s glorious grace in Jesus Christ. The Son who took on flesh, the Lamb of God who was slain for those who hated him, the King who came to rescue rebellious people—he suffered death for our sake. He fulfilled God’s law and satisfied the demands of God’s justice. And therefore, in light of God’s mercy (Romans 12:1) present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. The Greek word translated as spiritual actually means logic, that is, reason. It makes sense to worship the Lord in response to who he is and what he has done. Worship, wholehearted devotion is the only reasonable thing to do. Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, says Paul. Fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness, says Joshua. The same Spirit has inspired both authors. The same truths about God call for the same response.

And therefore the encouragement given by Joshua to Israel is also an encouragement for you and me. In light of who God is, we must choose who we will serve? Today, tomorrow, next week, and next year the decision will be the same. Will you serve the Lord who has revealed himself in Scripture? God who became flesh and made his dwelling amongst us? Will you serve him and do what he says or will you serve yourself and the idols of this world? Will you hedge your bets, holding on to idols in secret, making vows and promises when it is expected from you, attending worship but making no changes in your life? When marriage becomes difficult will you take the easy way out and separate, or will you deny yourself and love your partner? When government decrees disagree with the Word of God, how will you respond? When Christ calls you to lead your family in worship will you listen to him? When obedience to God requires saying no at work or in school will you stand to be counted?