Covenants have consequences. The Isrealites were warned that God would turn on them if they turned away. They put away their gods, and turned to the LORD.
And… it lasted through the memory of those who had served with Joshua. It was the younger generation who fell away.
We cannot assume that the blessings, the church, the salvation, the good things we have will be permanent. Each generation must renew the commitment — or fail
Joshua 24
16Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; 17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; 18and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
19But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.” 21And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the LORD!” 22Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24The people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and him we will obey.”
via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.
And I wonder if, as we send our fetuses to Molech and try to build a social welfare net that removes any need to depend on anyone but the state, if we are turning to the foreign Gods and away from the one who protected this land.
