March 25, 2026

Scriptures: Joshua 23–24 and Judges 1 |

Joshua’s story ends with reflection. Near the end of his life, he gathers the people and reminds them of everything God has done…victories won, land secured, promises kept. Joshua is clear and honest. God has been faithful, but continued faithfulness will require intentional choice. “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve” is not a slogan…it is both a warning and an offer. God does not coerce loyalty. He invites it, knowing love must be chosen.

Joshua 24 seals this moment with a covenant renewal. The people rehearse their story out loud, tracing God’s faithfulness from Abraham to the present. Grace is reinforced through testimony. The people commit themselves again, not because they are flawless, but because God has been faithful. It’s important to remember.

Judges 1 immediately reveals the problems that follow. Israel begins well, but their obedience is partial. Some victories are won, but compromises remain. The book opens with progress mixed with their hesitation. Grace is present even here as God continues working with imperfect obedience, but the cracks are visible. What Joshua warned about begins to unfold after all. Faithfulness is not inherited automatically…it must be practiced on a regular basis.

Where Israel’s commitment wavers, Jesus remains faithful. He does not simply ask us to choose…He empowers us to follow. e alone, but secured through Christ who keeps us when we struggle to keep our promises.

Challenge Question:

Write down one area where your commitment to God feels strong and one area where compromise has crept in. Then choose one concrete step you can take this week to intentionally reaffirm your choice to follow Jesus in that weaker area.