Joshua: Man of Faith

by Mark E. Petersen

One of the best loved passages in all scripture is this: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."- (Josh. 24:15.)

This challenge was spoken to ancient Israel in a time of great crisis when the people were at a crossroads: Should Israel follow the popular and seductive pagan gods of their neighbors, or should they isolate themselves and remain with the one and only true and living God who had brought them out of Egyptian bondage?

The Twelve Tribes had been rescued by the greatest series of miracles ever recorded, with the exception of the atonement and resurrection of the Savior.

They had been freed from Pharaoh's soldiers and had seen them drowned; they had crossed the Red Sea on dry land and had had food miraculously provided for them; they were given an adequate water supply in the desert, also by a miracle; and since they were not able to provide new clothing for themselves as they traveled, their wearing apparel did not wear out in many years of wandering in the wilderness.

They had seen the fiery visitation of Almighty God on Sinai and had witnessed the miracles of Moses. It was all a great reality to them, for they had lived through it all. But they also faced the seductive influence of their depraved neighbors, who were led by wicked- kings- instead of prophets and who had many gods for all occasions instead of the one true God.

Genres: Lds, Religion

95 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978