By Randall L. Broad
Read: Joshua 24:1-33; Luke 21:1-28; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 13:20-23
Today in the Book of Joshua, we find one of the foundation verses of my
personal code of discipleship.
“… But as for
me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
In 2011, Sherwood Pictures Ministry released the movie Courageous. The story is written by the
Alex and Stephen Kendrick. If you haven’t seen this movie or the others written
by the Kendrick brothers, I encourage you to do so. All their films are quality
Christian movies with different themes.
Courageous is the story
of police officers who struggle with the role of fatherhood. The men agree
amongst themselves to sign a resolution and hold each other accountable for
being better fathers. The scripture that defines their Resolution is contained
in our reading today.
Joshua 24:15
15But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then
choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors
served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose
land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Commentary on the meaning of the scripture is best stated in the
Resolution itself which hangs on the wall of my home. At the risk of any
copyright infringement I want to post it here for all to see. I
apologize to the authors in advance if I have misrepresented the simple
elegance and powerful force of their conviction.
The Resolution
I do solemnly resolve before God to take full
responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
I will love them, protect them, serve them, and
teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I will be faithful to my wife, to love and honor
her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I will bless my children and teach them to love God
with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I will train them to honor authority and live
responsibly.
I will confront evil, pursue justice, and love
mercy.
I will pray for others and treat them with
kindness, respect, and compassion.
I will work diligently to provide for the needs of
my family.
I will forgive those who have wronged me and
reconcile with those I have wronged.
I will learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins,
and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I will seek to honor God, be faithful to His
church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I will courageously work with the strength God
provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for his glory.
Below the signatures on the Resolution reads:
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Today I honor the Kendrick Brothers, Sherwood Baptist Church, and
Sherwood Pictures Ministry for their vision to use the power of the media to
share the message of God’s love.
Walk
with the Lord …
Ephesians
1:17
(RLB250422)
©
Copyright 2017: Randall L. Broad
Disclaimer: This commentary is written by Randall L. Broad. It is in no way affiliated with or represents any denomination, university, church, or pastor. Any errors or omissions are purely my responsibility.
