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If these walls could talk…
I’ve thought about that as I’ve gone through old houses, abandoned schools, and visited important places such as the capitol. What stories would they share? At first, we think of the history and the lives that lived in those places. Tough decisions that had to be made, milestones of life played out in those very rooms. But on the flip side, you might cringe at the thought of something sharing your innermost secrets you thought were hidden.
In the final chapter of Joshua, the Israelites are called to the carpet. Joshua demands a response from the people – choose this day whom you will serve. Will it be God? If you do not serve God, you will serve idols and false gods. There is no middle ground. So, what will it be?
The people respond.
“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: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.” (Joshua 24:16-18)
But Joshua isn’t convinced. He calls them out and says “you can’t”. He’s seen what they’ve done, he knows how they leave the Lord faster than 2 shakes of a lamb’s tail. But the people are adamant, we will serve God only!
Not only did they become their own witness, but he provided one more thing to be a witness, or a reminder of the covenant made that day.
“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. 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)
Stones can hear? Well, if walls could talk… imagine what the stones would say!
In fact, Jesus himself told those that were trying to silence Him and the disciples that the rocks would be a witness for Him.
“And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40)
Even rocks, which are cold, hard, and stubborn, recognize the power and authority of God! If God’s people fail to recognize the Lord for who He is, even the rocks will cry out as a witness!
What an opportunity we have today! We have our own story of what Jesus has done! We are to be a witness for Him! Just as Joshua called out the Israelites and demanded a response, the Lord is calling us out today. Whom will you serve? Whom will you be a witness for? Will you share His name, or will you be silent? I would much rather the Lord use me to glorify Him than use a rock.
It’s not just if these walls could talk, but the real question is, if these lips will talk? Tell about the great things JESUS has done! Declare HIS name as the only way to Heaven, the one and only Savior, and the Lord of all!
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