EGW WritingsJoshua 24

Ellen G. White

Joshua 24:1-33

Conflict and Courage

As for Me ..., April 29

CC 125.1

Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15.

CC 125.2

As Joshua felt the infirmities of age stealing upon him, and realized that his work must soon close, he was filled with anxiety for the future of his people. It was with more than a father’s interest that he addressed them, as they gathered once more about their aged chief....

CC 125.3

CC 125.4

“As for me and my house,” said Joshua, “we will serve Jehovah.” The same holy zeal that inspired the leader’s heart was communicated to the people. His appeals called forth the unhesitating response, “God forbid that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods.” ... Joshua endeavored to lead his hearers to weigh well their words, and refrain from vows which they would be unprepared to fulfill. With deep earnestness they repeated the declaration: “Nay; but we will serve the Lord.” Solemnly consenting to the witness against themselves that they had chosen Jehovah, they once more reiterated their pledge of loyalty: “The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey....” Having written an account of this solemn transaction, he placed it, with the book of the law, in the side of the ark....

CC 125.5

Joshua’s work for Israel was done. He had “wholly followed the Lord;” and in the book of God he is written, “The servant of Jehovah.” The noblest testimony to his character as a public leader is the history of the generation that had enjoyed his labors: “Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua.” 43Ibid., 521-524.

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 23—Entering the Promised Land

SR 175.1

After the death of Moses, Joshua was to be the leader of Israel, to conduct them to the Promised Land. He had been prime minister to Moses during the greater part of the time the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness. He had seen the wonderful works of God wrought by Moses, and well understood the disposition of the people. He was one of the twelve spies who were sent out to search the Promised Land, and one of the two who gave a faithful account of its richness and who encouraged the people to go up in the strength of God to possess it. He was well qualified for this important office. The Lord promised Joshua to be with him as He had been with Moses, and to make Canaan fall an easy conquest to him, provided he would be faithful to observe all His commandments. He was anxious as to how he should execute his commission in leading the people to the land of Canaan, but this encouragement removed his fears.

SR 175.2

Joshua commanded the children of Israel to prepare for a three-day journey, and that all the men of war should go out to battle. “And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us, we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as He was with Moses. Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.”

SR 176.1

The passage of the Israelites over Jordan was to be miraculous. “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.”

SR 176.2

The priests were to go before the people and bear the ark containing the law of God. And as their feet were dipped in the brim of Jordan, the waters were cut off from above, and the priests passed on, bearing the ark, which was a symbol of the Divine Presence; and the Hebrew host followed. When the priests were halfway over Jordan, they were commanded to stand in the bed of the river until all the host of Israel had passed over. Here the then existing generation of the Israelites were convinced that the waters of Jordan were subject to the same power that their fathers had seen displayed at the Red Sea forty years before. Many of these had passed through the Red Sea when they were children. Now they pass over Jordan, men of war, fully equipped for battle.

SR 176.3

After all the host of Israel had passed over Jordan, Joshua commanded the priests to come up out of the river. As soon as the priests, bearing the ark of the covenant, came up out of the river, and stood on dry land, Jordan rolled on as before and overflowed all his banks. This wonderful miracle performed for the Israelites greatly increased their faith. That this wonderful miracle might never be forgotten, the Lord directed Joshua to command that men of note, one of each tribe, take up stones from the bed of the river, the place where the priests’ feet stood while the Hebrew host was passing over, and bear them upon their shoulders, and erect a monument in Gilgal, to keep in remembrance the fact that Israel passed over Jordan on dry land. After the priests had come up from Jordan, God removed His mighty hand, and the waters rushed like a mighty cataract down their own channel.

SR 177.1

When all the kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites heard that the Lord had stayed the waters of Jordan before the children of Israel, their hearts melted with fear. The Israelites had slain two of the kings of Moab, and their miraculous passage over the swollen and impetuous Jordan filled them with the greatest terror. Joshua then circumcised all the people which had been born in the wilderness. After this ceremony they kept the passover in the plains of Jericho. “And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.”

SR 177.2

Heathen nations had reproached the Lord and His people because the Hebrews had not possessed the land of Canaan, which they expected to inherit soon after leaving Egypt. Their enemies had triumphed because they had so long wandered in the wilderness, and they proudly lifted themselves up against God, declaring that He was not able to lead them into the land of Canaan. They had now passed over Jordan on dry land, and their enemies could no longer reproach them.

SR 178.1

The manna had continued up to this time, but now as the Israelites were about to possess Canaan and eat of the fruit of the land, they had no more need of it, and it ceased.

SR 178.2

As Joshua withdrew from the armies of Israel, to meditate and pray for God’s special presence to attend him, he saw a man of lofty stature, clad in warlike garments, with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua did not recognize him as one of the armies of Israel, and yet he had no appearance of being an enemy. In his zeal he accosted him, and said, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto Him, What saith my Lord unto His servant? And the Captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.”

SR 178.3

This was no common angel. It was the Lord Jesus Christ, He who had conducted the Hebrews through the wilderness, enshrouded in the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day. The place was made sacred by His presence; therefore Joshua was commanded to put off his shoes.

SR 178.4

The Lord then instructed Joshua what course to pursue in order to take Jericho. All the men of war should be commanded to compass the city once each day for six days, and on the seventh day they should go around Jericho seven times.

SR 179.1

“And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord. And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord. And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on before the Lord, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant followed them.

SR 179.2

“And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rearward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.”

SR 179.3

The Hebrew host marched in perfect order. First went a select body of armed men, clad in their warlike dress, not now to exercise their skill in arms, but only to believe and obey the directions given them. Next followed seven priests with trumpets. Then came the ark of God, glittering with gold, a halo of glory hovering over it, borne by priests in their rich and peculiar dress denoting their sacred office. The vast army of Israel followed in perfect order, each tribe under its respective standard. Thus they compassed the city with the ark of God. No sound was heard but the tread of that mighty host, and the solemn voice of the trumpets, echoed by the hills, and resounding through the city of Jericho.

SR 180.1

With wonder and alarm the watchmen of that doomed city mark every move, and report to those in authority. They cannot tell what all this display means. Some ridicule the idea of that city’s being taken in this manner, while others are awed, as they behold the splendor of the ark and the solemn and dignified appearance of the priests and the host of Israel following, with Joshua at their head. They remember that the Red Sea, forty years before, parted before them, and that a passage had just been prepared for them through the river Jordan. They are too much terrified to sport. They are strict to keep the gates of the city closely shut, and mighty warriors to guard each gate.

SR 180.2

For six days the armies of Israel performed their circuit around the city. On the seventh day they compassed Jericho seven times. The people were commanded, as usual, to be silent. The voice of the trumpets alone was to be heard. The people were to observe, and when the trumpeters should make a longer blast than usual, then all were to shout with a loud voice, for God had given them the city. “And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.” “So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”

SR 181.1

God intended to show the Israelites that the conquest of Canaan was not to be ascribed to them. The Captain of the Lord’s host overcame Jericho. He and His angels were engaged in the conquest. Christ commanded the armies of heaven to throw down the walls of Jericho and prepare an entrance for Joshua and the armies of Israel. God, in this wonderful miracle, not only strengthened the faith of His people in His power to subdue their enemies, but rebuked their former unbelief.

SR 181.2

Jericho had defied the armies of Israel and the God of heaven. And as they beheld the host of Israel marching around their city once each day, they were alarmed; but they looked at their strong defenses, their firm and high walls, and felt sure that they could resist any attack. But when their firm walls suddenly tottered and fell with a stunning crash, like peals of loudest thunder, they were paralyzed with terror and could offer no resistance.

SR 181.3

No stain rested upon the holy character of Joshua. He was a wise leader. His life was wholly devoted to God. Before he died he assembled the Hebrew host, and, following the example of Moses, he recapitulated their travels in the wilderness and also the merciful dealings of God with them. He then eloquently addressed them. He related to them that the king of Moab warred against them and called Balaam to curse them; but God “would not hearken unto Balaam, therefore he blessed you still.” He then said to them, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

SR 182.1

“And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods; for the Lord our God, He it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed.”

SR 182.2

The people renewed their covenant with Joshua. They said unto him, “The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.” Joshua wrote the words of their covenant in the book containing the laws and statutes given to Moses. Joshua was loved and respected by all Israel, and his death was much lamented by them.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 49—The Last Words of Joshua

EP 373.1

The wars and conquest ended, Joshua had withdrawn to the peaceful retirement of his home at Timnath-serah. “And it came to pass a long time after that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua ... called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers.”

EP 373.2

As Joshua felt the infirmities of age stealing upon him and realized that his work must soon close, he was filled with anxiety for the future of his people. “Ye have seen,” he said, “all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the Lord your God is He that hath fought for you.” Although the Canaanites had been subdued, they still possessed a considerable portion of the land promised to Israel, and Joshua exhorted his people not to forget the Lord’s command to dispossess these idolatrous nations.

EP 373.3

The tribes had dispersed to their possessions, the army had disbanded, and it was looked upon as a difficult and doubtful undertaking to renew the war. But Joshua declared: “The Lord your God, He shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the Lord your God hath promised unto you. Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”

EP 373.4

God had faithfully fulfilled His promises to them. “Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls,” he said, “that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.”

EP 374.1

As the Lord had fulfilled His promises, so He would fulfill His threatenings. “It shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things... . When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord, ... then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which He hath given unto you.”

EP 374.2

In all His dealings with His creatures, God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character—by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been, and never will be. Such pardon would fill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings were not true, how could we be sure that His promises would be fulfilled?

EP 374.3

Before the death of Joshua the heads and representatives of the tribes again assembled at Shechem. No spot in all the land possessed so many sacred associations. Here were the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, the silent witnesses of those vows which now, in the presence of their dying leader, they had assembled to renew. God had given them a land for which they did not labor, and cities which they built not, vineyards and oliveyards which they planted not. Joshua reviewed once more the history of Israel, recounting the wonderful works of God, that all might have a sense of His love and mercy and might serve Him “in sincerity and in truth.”

EP 374.4

By Joshua’s direction the ark had been brought from Shiloh. This symbol of God’s presence would deepen the impression he wished to make upon the people. After presenting the goodness of God toward Israel, he called upon them to choose whom they would serve. The worship of idols was still to some extent secretly practiced, and Joshua endeavored now to bring them to a decision that should banish this sin from Israel. “If it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah,” he said, “choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua desired to lead them to serve God, not by compulsion, but willingly. To engage in His service merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment would avail nothing. Open apostasy would not be more offensive to God than hypocrisy and mere formal worship.

EP 375.1

The aged leader urged the people to consider what he had set before them. If it seemed evil to serve Jehovah, the source of power, the fountain of blessing, let them that day choose whom they would serve—“the gods which your fathers served,” from whom Abraham was called out, “or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell.”

EP 375.2

These last words were a keen rebuke to Israel. The gods of the Amorites had not been able to protect their worshipers. Because of their debasing sins, that wicked nation had been destroyed, and the good land which they once possessed had been given to God’s people. What folly for Israel to choose the deities for whose worship the Amorites had been destroyed!

EP 375.3

EP 375.4

Before there could be any permanent reformation, the people must feel their utter inability in themselves to render obedience to God. While they trusted their own righteousness, it was impossible for them to secure pardon; they could not meet the claims of God’s perfect law, and it was in vain that they pledged themselves to serve God. Only by faith in Christ could they secure pardon of sin and receive strength to obey God’s law. They must trust wholly in the merits of the promised Saviour.

EP 376.1

With deep earnestness they once more reiterated their pledge of loyalty: “The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.”

EP 376.2

“So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem... . So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.”

EP 376.3

His work was done. He had “wholly followed the Lord.” The noblest testimony to his character as a leader is the history of the generation that had enjoyed his labors: “Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 112, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 112, 1895, par. 7

Let all who name the name of Christ search their own hearts, whether they be in the faith. Let them take their Bibles and read carefully and with an understanding heart in regard to the revivals that have taken place among God’s ancient people from time to time. Joshua 23:8-11; Joshua 24; Judges 2.

10LtMs, Lt 112, 1895, par. 11

Joshua’s faithful life of steadfast integrity closed, and afterward, one by one, the old faithful sentinels that had crossed Jordan laid off their armor. A new generation, who had not been accustomed to eat of the bread from heaven, came upon the stage of action, and the men who had transgressed and mourned for their sins at Bochim would not have Joshua with them with his loyal, faithful, ringing testimony to be to them as light. Joshua 24:14, 29. “If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel.” Verses 20-23. Read verses 24-28.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 49—The Last Words of Joshua

PP 521.1

The wars and conquest ended, Joshua had withdrawn to the peaceful retirement of his home at Timnath-serah. “And it came to pass, a long time after that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua ... called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers.”

PP 521.2

Some years had passed since the people had settled in their possessions, and already could be seen cropping out the same evils that had heretofore brought judgments upon Israel. As Joshua felt the infirmities of age stealing upon him, and realized that his work must soon close, he was filled with anxiety for the future of his people. It was with more than a father’s interest that he addressed them, as they gathered once more about their aged chief. “Ye have seen,” he said, “all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the Lord your God is He that hath fought for you.” Although the Canaanites had been subdued, they still possessed a considerable portion of the land promised to Israel, and Joshua exhorted his people not to settle down at ease and forget the Lord’s command to utterly dispossess these idolatrous nations.

PP 521.3

The people in general were slow to complete the work of driving out the heathen. The tribes had dispersed to their possessions, the army had disbanded, and it was looked upon as a difficult and doubtful undertaking to renew the war. But Joshua declared: “The Lord your God, He shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the Lord your God hath promised unto you. Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”

PP 522.1

Joshua appealed to the people themselves as witnesses that, so far as they had complied with the conditions, God had faithfully fulfilled His promises to them. “Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls,” he said, “that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.” He declared to them that as the Lord had fulfilled His promises, so He would fulfill His threatenings. “It shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things.... When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord, ... then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which He hath given unto you.”

PP 522.2

Satan deceives many with the plausible theory that God’s love for His people is so great that He will excuse sin in them; he represents that while the threatenings of God’s word are to serve a certain purpose in His moral government, they are never to be literally fulfilled. But in all His dealings with His creatures God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character—by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been, and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles of righteousness, which are the very foundation of the government of God. It would fill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings were not true, how could we be sure that His promises would be fulfilled? That so-called benevolence which would set aside justice is not benevolence but weakness.

PP 522.3

God is the life-giver. From the beginning all His laws were ordained to life. But sin broke in upon the order that God had established, and discord followed. So long as sin exists, suffering and death are inevitable. It is only because the Redeemer has borne the curse of sin in our behalf that man can hope to escape, in his own person, its dire results.

PP 522.4

Before the death of Joshua the heads and representatives of the tribes, obedient to his summons, again assembled at Shechem. No spot in all the land possessed so many sacred associations, carrying their minds back to God’s covenant with Abraham and Jacob, and recalling also their own solemn vows upon their entrance into Canaan. Here were the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, the silent witnesses of those vows which now, in the presence of their dying leader, they had assembled to renew. On every side were evidences of what God had wrought for them; how He had given them a land for which they did not labor, and cities which they built not, vineyards and oliveyards which they planted not. Joshua reviewed once more the history of Israel, recounting the wonderful works of God, that all might have a sense of His love and mercy and might serve Him “in sincerity and in truth.”

PP 523.1

By Joshua’s direction the ark had been brought from Shiloh. The occasion was one of great solemnity, and this symbol of God’s presence would deepen the impression he wished to make upon the people. After presenting the goodness of God toward Israel, he called upon them, in the name of Jehovah, to choose whom they would serve. The worship of idols was still to some extent secretly practiced, and Joshua endeavored now to bring them to a decision that should banish this sin from Israel. “If it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah,” he said, “choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua desired to lead them to serve God, not by compulsion, but willingly. Love to God is the very foundation of religion. To engage in His service merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment would avail nothing. Open apostasy would not be more offensive to God than hypocrisy and mere formal worship.

PP 523.2

The aged leader urged the people to consider, in all its bearings, what he had set before them, and to decide if they really desired to live as did the degraded idolatrous nations around them. If it seemed evil to them to serve Jehovah, the source of power, the fountain of blessing, let them that day choose whom they would serve—“the gods which your fathers served,” from whom Abraham was called out, “or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell.” These last words were a keen rebuke to Israel. The gods of the Amorites had not been able to protect their worshipers. Because of their abominable and debasing sins, that wicked nation had been destroyed, and the good land which they once possessed had been given to God’s people. What folly for Israel to choose the deities for whose worship the Amorites had been destroyed! “As for me and my house,” said Joshua, “we will serve Jehovah.” The same holy zeal that inspired the leader’s heart was communicated to the people. His appeals called forth the unhesitating response, “God forbid that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods.”

PP 524.1

“Ye cannot serve the Lord,” said Joshua: “for He is a holy God; ... He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.” Before there could be any permanent reformation the people must be led to feel their utter inability in themselves to render obedience to God. They had broken His law, it condemned them as transgressors, and it provided no way of escape. While they trusted in their own strength and righteousness, it was impossible for them to secure the pardon of their sins; they could not meet the claims of God’s perfect law, and it was in vain that they pledged themselves to serve God. It was only by faith in Christ that they could secure pardon of sin and receive strength to obey God’s law. They must cease to rely upon their own efforts for salvation, they must trust wholly in the merits of the promised Saviour, if they would be accepted of God.

PP 524.2

Joshua endeavored to lead his hearers to weigh well their words, and refrain from vows which they would be unprepared to fulfill. With deep earnestness they repeated the declaration: “Nay; but we will serve the Lord.” Solemnly consenting to the witness against themselves that they had chosen Jehovah, they once more reiterated their pledge of loyalty: “The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.

PP 524.3

“So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.” Having written an account of this solemn transaction, he placed it, with the book of the law, in the side of the ark. And he set up a pillar as a memorial, saying, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which He spake unto us; it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.”

PP 524.4

Joshua 24:14-15

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 18—Hindrances to Reform

6T 141.2

Some teachers and managers who are only half converted are stumbling blocks to others. They concede some things and make half reforms; but when greater knowledge comes, they refuse to advance, preferring to work according to their own ideas. In doing this they pluck and eat of that tree of knowledge which places the human above the divine. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” Joshua 24:14, 15; 1 Kings 18:21. We should have been far in advance of our present spiritual condition had we moved forward as the light came to us.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Hindrances to Reform

2TT 419.2

Some teachers and managers who are only half converted are stumbling blocks to others. They concede some things and make half reforms; but when greater knowledge comes, they refuse to advance, preferring to work according to their own ideas. In doing this they pluck and eat of that tree of knowledge which places the human above the divine. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the Flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” Joshua 24:14, 15; 1 Kings 18:21. We should have been far in advance of our present spiritual condition had we moved forward as the light came to us.

Joshua 24:14-19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 135, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 135, 1899, par. 8

By Joshua’s direction the ark had been brought from Shiloh. The occasion was one of great solemnity, and this symbol of God’s presence would deepen the impression he wished to make upon the people. Earnestly and solemnly Joshua gave his last charge to those who would soon be left without his counsel. He reviewed once more the history of Israel, recounting the wonderful works of God, that all might have a sense of His love and mercy, and might serve Him “in sincerity and in truth.” [Joshua 24:14.] Briefly he mentioned the most important points of their history since leaving Egypt, reviving their faith by calling on them to remember that not one of God’s promises had failed.

14LtMs, Ms 135, 1899, par. 9

After presenting the goodness of God toward Israel, Joshua called upon the people, in the name of Jehovah, to choose whom they would serve. The worship of idols was still to some extent secretly practiced, and Joshua endeavored now to bring them to a decision that would banish this sin from Israel. “If it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah,” he said, “choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Verse 15.] Joshua desired to lead them to serve God, not by compulsion, but willingly. Love to God is the very foundation of religion. To engage in His service merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment, would avail nothing. Open apostasy would not be more offensive to God than hypocrisy and mere formal worship.

14LtMs, Ms 135, 1899, par. 11

The gods of the Amorites had not been able to protect their worshipers. Because of their abominable and debasing sins, that wicked nation had been destroyed, and the good land which they once possessed had been given to God’s people. What folly for Israel to choose the deities for whose worship the Amorites had been destroyed! “As for me and my house,” said Joshua, “we will serve Jehovah.” [Verse 15.] The same holy zeal that inspired the leader’s heart was communicated to the people. His appeal called forth the unhesitating response, “God forbid that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods.” [Verse 16.]

14LtMs, Ms 135, 1899, par. 12

“Ye cannot serve the Lord,” Joshua said, “for he is a holy God; ... he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.” [Verse 19.] Before there could be any permanent reformation, the people must be led to feel their utter inability, in themselves, to render obedience to God. They had broken his law; it condemned them as transgressors, and it provided no way of escape. While they trusted in their own strength and righteousness, it was impossible for them to secure the pardon of their sins. They could not meet the claims of God’s perfect law, and it was in vain that they pledged themselves to serve God. It was only by faith in Christ that they could secure pardon of sin and receive strength to obey God’s law. They must cease to rely upon their own righteousness, they must turn from idolatry, and trust wholly in the merits of the promised Saviour if they would be accepted by God.

Joshua 24:15

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 5—When Doing Everything Right Isn’t Enough

CSA 15.2

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 34—Conscience

1MCP 326.4

You Can Make Yourself What You Choose—Again I warn you as one who must meet these lines in that day when the case of everyone shall be decided. Yield yourself to Christ without delay; He alone, by the power of His grace, can redeem you from ruin. He alone can bring your moral and mental powers into a state of health. Your heart may be warm with the love of God; your understanding, clear and mature; your conscience, illuminated, quick, and pure; your will, upright and sanctified, subject to the control of the Spirit of God. You can make yourself what you choose. If you will now face right about, cease to do evil and learn to do well, then you will be happy indeed; you will be successful in the battles of life and rise to glory and honor in the better life than this. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15).—Testimonies for the Church 2:564, 565 (1870).

Our High Calling

Mine to Choose, January 9

OHC 15.1

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.

Sons and Daughters of God

Choose Today to Serve Christ Always, June 1

SD 159.1

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 57—“One Thing Thou Lackest”

DA 520.1

Christ’s words were verily to the ruler the invitation, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God!

The Upward Look

Walk by Faith, Not by Sight, February 28

UL 73.3

It is not necessary for us to know the results of our course of action before we surrender wholly to God. We do not need to see the way, or to know what the future will be. One thing we do know, because God has said it—the man that fears God and works righteousness will be accepted by Him. This is enough for us to know. Day by day walk before the Lord in humility and contrition. Your future destiny depends on your own course of action. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). “If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). Be one thing or the other. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). Your present happiness and your future well-being depend on your own choice. If you choose to follow Jesus, you must obey the word, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

This Day With God

Choose You This Day, December 19

TDG 362.1

Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Leader: Calling for Commitment, August 10

YRP 231.1

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 61a, 1906

2SAT 283.7

God now calls upon all who choose to serve Him, to stand on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of things, by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any farther. Change your course of action. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him” (Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21).

Homeward Bound

It’s Your Choice, March 4

HB 81.1

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.—Joshua 24:15.

With God at Dawn

We Will Serve the Lord, September 8

WGD 253.1

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.

Child Guidance

Chapter 39—The Will a Factor in Success

CG 209.3

Success Comes When the Will Is Yielded to God—Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life God’s word to us is, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil. In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 2, 1861

1LtMs, Lt 2, 1861, par. 11

Life and death are before you. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 33, 1868

1LtMs, Lt 33, 1868, par. 2

I saw that the Spirit of God has not taken its departure. Angels of God are still waiting to bear your decision upward that “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] It is dangerous to delay. Every ray of light that has shone upon your pathway which you have neglected to cherish has left you bound by Satan in chains of darkness and unbelief until to yourself it seemed impossible to put forth an effort. But the Lord’s will is to save you if you will consent to be saved in His own appointed way. Mark out no plan of your own, but come out from among them with God and be separate and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you. Submission is required on your part, a humbling of yourself before God, making a decided, determined effort, come what may, that you will be a follower of Christ, a soldier of the cross. You are powerless in saving yourself, and it is impossible for you to dwell in heaven with your nature unrenewed. You are now conformed to the world. You are required to be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove, experience for yourself, [that] which is [the] good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 80, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 80, 1886, par. 29

We want to improve every opportunity given us day by day to overcome the temptations of the enemy. This life is a conflict, and we have a foe who never sleeps, who is watching constantly to destroy our minds and lure us away from our precious Saviour who has given His life for us. Shall we lift the cross given us, or shall we go on in selfish gratification and lose the eternity of bliss? We cannot afford to sin, we cannot afford to disgrace the law of God. Adam and Eve could not afford it. Did not they lose by their transgression? And by obedience we shall regain that which was lost. The question with us should not be, “How shall I make the most money in this world?” The question should be, “Shall I serve God or Baal?” [1 Kings 18:21.] “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve,” but I can say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 6a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 6a, 1886, par. 32

We want you to live for the future immortal life, and we want you to decide, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] Now is the time for you to give yourselves without reserve to Jesus. Be determined that you will have Christ at the loss of everything else. The very obstacles and difficulties you meet here are to strengthen your faith by overcoming these obstacles, and every victory gained is registered in the books of heaven. Every good deed you do, leading souls to walk in the way of God’s commandments, is also registered in the Books of Heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 20, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 20, 1886, par. 15

I presented before them the words of Joshua, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] I asked those who wished to take a decided stand for the truth, and to be fully on the Lord’s side, to arise; also those who had backslidden, or had become cold in the service of the Lord, to stand upon their feet. The house was so crowded that they could not come forward, but nearly every one in the house was deeply moved and stood upon their feet.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 108, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 108, 1886, par. 10

How many Satan tempts to worship him who yield to the temptation. They do the very things Satan wants them to do which are to give attention and devotion to those things which separate the mind and heart from God. Beautiful were the kingdoms, and their glory spread out like a panorama before the sight of the Son of God. He was tempted in all points like as we are, but the beauty of holiness, the uncorrupted heart, was more to be desired than any of the glitter or tinsel of earthly things. If those who worship God only will place their feet upon one single text of the Bible and meet Satan with “It is written,” they can effectually resist Satan. Wherever we are, be it in Paris, in Nimes, in Constantinople, in Venice or Rome, Babylon or London, place yourself upon the Lord’s side. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” [Exodus 23:2.] “As for me and my house,” whatever other men may do, whatever they may serve and worship, “we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 48, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, par. 24

The saving grace of God upon us, the increased conception of His greatness, justice, mercy, and love, will not fill our hearts to no purpose. This knowledge of God, which Jesus came from heaven to impart, must not be trifled with. The love of God cannot remain in our possession unless it is expressed. Shall it ever be reckoned our greatest curse that we knew of the blessed gift of eternal life and did not make it known to others? O my brother, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] Jesus is calling to you and saying that you can be like Him. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,” is willing to shine in our hearts, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 53, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 27

Said Joshua, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or of the gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] Will those who claim to be children of the Most High elevate the standard, not for a day, not simply while assembled in your meeting, but as long as time shall last? Will they not be on the Lord’s side and serve Him with full purpose of heart? If you do as did the children of Israel in forsaking God’s express requirements, you will surely receive of His judgments, but if you put away sin and exercise living faith, the riches of heaven’s blessings will be yours.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 10, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 36

Will you serve God or Baal? “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] I know you are not serving God with your undivided affection. Stand not in the way of sinners—which you are certainly doing now. Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. I hope you will put away your trifling and be watchful unto prayer. Be sober, be serious and yet cheerful and a sunny Christian.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 17a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 17a, 1891, par. 25

I have done only the work God has given me to do, the very work I have been doing for the last fifty years. What means this spirit of denunciation because I have not shunned to declare the counsel of God? And I have other things to say at the right time. When God says speak, I shall do this. But I feel great pity for Dr. Burke, because he is departing from the living God, and for what? O, let him answer, For what? Dr. Burke, For what? A mess of pottage. Selling your eternal interest for a cheap price. Will he yet see? I ask myself, Will he repent? Will he be converted? Will he renew his covenant at the cross of Calvary? “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] Will he now cleanse the soul-temple of its moral defilement, and let the Spirit of God supply the vacuum?

7LtMs, Lt 17a, 1891, par. 26

He has so fully established the idol self in the heart and worshiped at its shrine, there has been no room for Jesus, no room for light, for love, for meekness, and lowliness of heart. Self is magnified into wonderful proportions. His only hope is to die to self, crucify self. If not, he loses that life which measures with the life of God. It is life or death that is set before Dr. Burke. “Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve;” “If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” [Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21.] I would give my own life if such a gift would save his soul, but it would not. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in the land, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness, which is the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Christ Triumphant

Never Forget God’s Leading in the Past, May 13

CTr 140.1

Choose you this day whom ye will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 15, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 15, 1892, par. 33

May the Lord give His people wisdom that He may teach their fingers to war, but not on the enemy’s side. It is time that those who have had light take their position, and that speedily. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] It is this halfhearted work that brings the frown of God upon those who claim to believe the truth. Let not Satan triumph.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 17, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 17, 1893, par. 9

Will you please the powers of darkness by indecision, as though the army arrayed against Christ possessed some attractions that it was a difficult matter for you to choose under which standard you will serve? Shall your name, Erick, be registered in the Lamb’s book of life? Shall it be honored and immortalized in the heavenly courts? “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] It is for your present and eternal interest that you choose sides. You are not safe one moment in standing neutral. You dishonor Christ in this position. You do no credit to yourself. You place yourself in a position where the door of temptation is open to your soul, and Satan loses no opportunity that he shall take advantage to find entrance to tempt you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 93, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 19

Will you comply with these conditions? Shall you choose Christ and heaven as your portion in this life? Is the promise not rich and glorious that you shall become members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King? Will you make any and every sacrifice that you may join the heavenly family above? “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Will you refuse Him and choose the world? The world crucified Jesus. They are choosing today between Christ and Barabbas. Many have made their choice and others are deciding their destiny. Which will you have, Jesus or Barabbas?

8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 28

These little ones are God’s property. Wake up, father. Wake up, mother, to the present and eternal interest of your children. Do not regard this matter of little account. Jesus died for them. Parents and children are God’s purchased possession. By the combined influences of authority and affection rule your house. Allow no influence to interpose and take either wife or children from your side. The will of God must be paramount in your home. Unitedly you can say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] When the love and fear of God reign there will be restfulness, peace, and joy; but to follow and be controlled by any other principle will leave hearts unblessed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 2, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 2, 1893, par. 8

I now lay before the members of this family their God-given responsibilities. You feel that you ought to be Christians. But will the matter end here? I ask you the question this day, Will you choose the service of Jesus Christ? You may have right impulses and say, “I want to be a Christian,” and go not one step farther. Christ calls for a decision. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] Will you cease your robbing of God? He has paid the ransom money for your soul. Will you serve Jesus Christ who is your Owner?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 97, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 56

Jesus longs to save you, to give you peace and rest and assurance while you live, and to bestow upon you eternal life in His kingdom. But no one will be compelled to be saved. Jesus says, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] Those who give their hearts to Christ will find rest in His love. We have a token of the magnitude of His love in His sufferings and death. Behold Him dying upon the cross amid the deepest gloom, for the heavens are darkened and the earth convulsed. The rent rocks are but a feeble emblem of His state of mind when He exclaimed, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 3

Today the world is made, and insanity is upon them, which is hurrying them on to eternal ruin. Every species of indulgence prevails, and men become so infatuated with vice that they will not listen to warnings or appeals. The Lord declares, to the people of the earth, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] All are now deciding their eternal destiny. Men need to be aroused to realize the solemnity of the time, and the nearness of the day when human probation shall be ended.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 38, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 9

God is not the author of anything sinful. None should fear to be singular if the fulfillment of duty requires it. If it makes us singular to avoid sin, then our singularity is merely the distinction between purity and impurity, righteousness and unrighteousness. Because the multitude prefer the path of transgression, shall we choose the same? We are plainly told by inspiration, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” [Exodus 23:2.] Our position should be clearly stated, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, par. 35

I am anxious that you should meet with a radical change, so that your whole moral appetite shall revolt at the things you have given it to feed upon. Licentiousness and the truth cannot occupy the same field. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Christ will take away your sin, but He will make no compromise to save you in your sins. Will you break off your sins entirely and forever? If you do not do this, you are lost. It is of no use to say, “I cannot.” I know you can. Satan exults to see you so willingly employed by him to destroy souls. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] You have a will; put that will on the side of God’s will. Renounce the company of Satan now and forever.

Education

Chapter 34—Discipline

Ed 289.1

Every child should understand the true force of the will. He should be led to see how great is the responsibility involved in this gift. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or choice. Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God’s word to us is, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil. In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 32, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 32, 1899, par. 17

Both parents and children are under the government of God. They are to be ruled by Him. By combining the influence of authority and affection, parents can rule their homes after the order God has given us in His Word. There is to be no ruling by impulse, no parental oppression, but at the same time, no disobedience is to be overlooked. We are not to reach the standard of worldlings, but the standard God Himself has erected. We are to diligently inquire, “What hath God said?” God’s holy Word must be our rule, and from this we must never turn aside. There must be no waywardness on the part of the children, no disregard of obligations on the part of the parents. Our motto must be: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 23, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 23, 1899, par. 26

As God in faithful in His promise, so also will He be faithful in his threatenings. Brethren, I may be silent in the grave before these warnings from God may have the desired effect upon your minds and hearts; but in the words of Paul I say to you, “Knowing the terrors of the Lord we persuade men;” everywhere to repent. [2 Corinthians 5:11.] “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 178a, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 178a, 1901, par. 16

The Word of the Lord for you is, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] Treat your wife kindly, but firmly. Take your stand on the side of Christ, and when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up for you a standard against him. Will you not by perfect obedience show your loyalty to Christ? Will you not wear the yoke of Christ? Will you not learn from Him His meekness and lowliness? Thus you will find rest unto your soul. Do not refuse to come to Christ because your wife refuses His invitation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 224, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 224, 1902, par. 7

Every heart emptied of self will have the quickening energy of the Holy Spirit. It is now that some are being worked by satanic agencies. Mark the fruit. The whole life is one of ambitious determination to carry out their own plans and purposes, to do a special work to exalt themselves. God puts to them the challenge, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. If it be God, serve Him; if Baal, serve him.” [Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21.] But some have been fixing themselves for a long time by a species of deception and misrepresentation and prevarication, because they have not turned from their idols to serve the living and true God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 39, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 39, 1903, par. 14

It is not necessary for us to know the results of our course of action before we surrender wholly to God. We do not need to see the way or to know what the future will be. One thing we do know, because God has said it—the man that fears God and works righteousness will be accepted by Him. This is enough for us to know. Day by day walk before the Lord in humility and contrition. Your future destiny depends on your own course of action. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, then serve Him; but if Baal, then serve him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] Be one thing or the other. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] Your present happiness and your future well-being depend on your own choice. If you choose to follow Jesus, you must obey the Word, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 251, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 251, 1904, par. 16

Do not let us forget God, but, like Joshua, who was placed at the head of a migrating nation, and was burdened with heavy responsibilities, resolve to serve God and Him alone. “As for me and my house,” he declared, “we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 38, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 38, 1905, par. 14

We must treat the great subjects of eternal interest as all-important. We must urge the truth for this time upon those who know it not, saying, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve” [Joshua 24:15], and praying that the Lord will bring conviction to their hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 37, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 37, 1906, par. 3

No longer should our people go to Battle Creek as they have been doing. Infidelity has been sown there in words, in false statements, in unsanctified influence of mind over mind. God is dishonored, and we are to prepare to accept the situations God may prepare for us. Never before did the matter appear as the Lord presents it today. False theories, repeated again and again, appear as falsely inviting today as did the fruit of the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden. The fruit was very beautiful and apparently desirable for food. Through false doctrines many souls have already been destroyed. Some will never see the light and come to their senses. The Lord God of Israel now declares, “If the Lord be God, serve Him: and if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 61, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 61, 1906, par. 17

God now calls for all who choose to serve Him to stand firmly on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of confusion, by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any further. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, serve Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.]

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Consecration, Courage, Confidence

LS 292.1

“The question should not be with us, How shall I make the most money in this world? The question should not be, Shall I serve God? Shall we serve God, or Baal? ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve;’ ‘as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ Joshua 24:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 61a, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 61a, 1906, par. 40

God now calls upon all who choose to serve Him to stand on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of things, by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any further. Change your course of action. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.]

Lift Him Up

Choose Christ for Yourself, November 22

LHU 340.1

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15, NIV.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 735—Preparing for Heaven

9MR 250.1

Whom Shall We Serve.—We want to improve every opportunity given us day by day to overcome the temptations of the enemy. This life is a conflict, and we have a foe who never sleeps, who is watching constantly to destroy our minds and lure us away from our precious Saviour who has given His life for us. Shall we lift the cross given us, or shall we go on in selfish gratification and lose the eternity of bliss? We cannot afford to sin, we cannot afford to disgrace the law of God. Adam and Eve could not afford it. Did they not lose by their transgression? And by obedience we shall regain that which was lost. The question with us should not be, “How shall I make the most money in this world?” The question should be, “Shall I serve God or Baal?” “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve,” but I can say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

MR No. 88—Materials For A Youth’s Instructor Article

1MR 382.2

Will you serve God or Baal? “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). I know you are not serving God with your undivided affection. Stand not in the way of sinners—which you are certainly doing now. Make straight paths for your feet, let the lame be turned out of the way. I hope you will put away your trifling and be watchful unto prayer. Be sober, be serious, and yet cheerful and a sunny Christian....

Maranatha

A Time for Decision! April 10

Mar 108.1

Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15.

Joshua 24:26

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

General Notes

GC88 684.2

Joshua 24:26: “And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the Lord.” The stone and the oak were in Palestine, but they were by the sanctuary of the Lord—not in it. And the other text is more restrictive still, and equally conclusive against the inference to which reference is herein made.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Appendix

4SP 498.2

Joshua 24:26: “And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the Lord.”

Joshua 24:26-27

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1062—Learning from Nature

13MR 336.3

Stones have been used as memorials of God’s dealings with His people. Joshua, knowing that the time of his service as the visible leader of Israel was about to end, gathered together the people who had been chosen by God, and caused them to renew their covenant with their Maker. He wrote what he had said, in the book of the law, and “took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which He spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God” [Joshua 24:26, 27].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 35, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 35, 1899, par. 5

Stones have been used as memorials of God’s dealings with His people. Joshua, knowing that the time of his service as the visible leader of Israel was about to end, gathered together the people who had been chosen by God, and caused them to renew their covenant with their Maker. He wrote what he had said in the book of the law, and “took a great stone and set it up there under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.” [Joshua 24:26, 27.]