We’ve been discussing the paradoxical principle that of our own power we’re not capable of obeying and serving God.
Yet, in spite of that, we’re still called to imitate our Father in heaven in every way we can.
If our Father in heaven shows mercy, we are to show mercy.
If He shows love, we are to show love.
If He is patient and slow to anger, we too must emulate that characteristic.
If the Lord is faithful and honest in His dealings, we too are not to show favoritism (just because someone is rich or of a certain skin color).
The Lord chose Israel from His free will to be His special people among the nations.
In the same way, Israel also has been given the free will to accept or reject Him.
Fast forward centuries later when Yeshua sacrificed his life.
That also was a free-will decision Yeshua made for Israel.
And we can make the choice to reciprocate by freely choosing to give our lives to Yeshua or not.
But here’s the thing.
If we decide to be grafted into the covenants that God only made with Israel through faith in His only begotten son, EVERYTHING changes.
Remember, here in Joshua Chapter 24, Israel is in the process of renewing their commitment to the Mosaic Covenant.
They have a choice.
They can choose to NOT surrender their lives to the Lord.
In that case, the only life they would have is this one here on planet earth followed by an eternity of regret.
However, on the other side of the coin, Israel could choose to give their lives to Hashem and inherit eternal life in Paradise.
Which is the choice they made here in Joshua 24.
And it’s the same choice that lies before us as well.
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