Joshua 24:14
Rev Reggor Galarpe
“…We live in a time where people have no fear of the Lord…”
~3 min read
Joshua 24:14; “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.”
The verse above contains Joshua’s declaration among the people of Israel shortly after they have settled in the Promised Land, which is worthy of our consideration as it speaks about our solemn duty unto God.
“Now therefore fear the LORD…” – Joshua admonished the people to fear the LORD. This means “to stand in awe; in reverence; to be stricken with a deep sense of honor, and worship.” It has the idea of recognising the exalted position of the Lord and standing in awe of Him. This is not about “fear” as that of “being afraid” or scared in crippling fear, cowering in His presence, but that of reverence, honour, and worship. Joshua knew very well that the moment the people ever lose their fear of the Lord, their spiritual demise would soon follow.
We live in a time where people have no fear of the Lord, as the Bible says in Romans 3:18; “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” And this is evidenced in the way they live, that is, with no thought of accountability to God. Many may not agree as many will not admit it, this is even true among God’s people! Sure, many do profess to such fear of the Lord but their practice shows that they don’t possess it.
“And serve him in sincerity and in truth.” – The people were admonished to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth. Joshua had witnessed enough “lip service” unto the Lord with no genuine service. Joshua is not interested in the people being able to speak well of their faith, rather he wanted the people to practice their faith well by serving the Lord. He wanted them to be sincere in their service to God and seek to do so in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
One thing that you will find in an average Christian home is a Scripture reference on display either hanging on the wall; or placed on a frame; or table top even on refrigerator doors. Well and good! But unless the message of the verse put on display is translated into practice by everyone in the home, it accomplishes little.
People are watching and carefully watching our lives. And what are they seeing? Are they seeing genuine service or just a show or a display like the Scripture references hanging on the wall? We must be willing to actively engage in service for the Lord!
“And put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.” – After all that the Lord has done to Israel, Joshua knew so well that there’s still idolatry among the people. There were false gods among them. Some of the people had been influenced by the nations around them and chose to worship their gods. All of the people were not seeking holy, sanctified lives. They wanted to receive the Lord’s blessings and abundance while holding on to the pleasures of the flesh. Joshua challenged them to put away their idols and serve Jehovah and Him alone!
The same is true to us today. Our homes will never be all that God desires until we are willing to put away the strange gods. You might argue that there are no idols within your home. Yes, you may not have idols and images in your homes but it could be that you have idols in your hearts! Remember? Anything that stands in between you and God is an idol. Anything in our lives that has priority over serving the Lord and our submission to Him is an idol. They come in different sizes and shapes! And we, Christians, often stumble in any one of them and get caught up in idolatry. Perhaps, we need to examine ourselves; “do I have any of these idols?”
Blessed Lord’s Day!
Reverend Reggor Galarpe
STANDALONE2023 ACM Preamble2023 ACM Preamble1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyJerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyNumbers 6:24-26
Pr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonyPr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonySelected Scriptures
The Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneThe Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneSelected Scriptures
Five Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonFive Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonSelected Scriptures
Charles Spurgeon on ChristmasCharles Spurgeon on ChristmasSelected Scriptures
Eulogies for Eliana GanEulogies for Eliana GanSelected Scriptures
Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Selected Scriptures
My Son, Be Strong!My Son, Be Strong!2 Timothy 2:1-7
Testimony And EncouragementTestimony And Encouragement2 Timothy 1:9
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short Reflection“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short ReflectionEphesians 5:18-33
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)Ephesians 5:1-18
The Man Of GodThe Man Of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
A Time To Build (Part 2)A Time To Build (Part 2)Ephesians 4:11-13
A Time To Build (Part 1)A Time To Build (Part 1)Ephesians 4:11-13
The Greatest Assurance In LifeThe Greatest Assurance In Life2 Peter 1:10
New YearNew YearProverbs 16:33
But Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartBut Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartLuke 2:19
My Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaMy Mission Trip To Singapore & Indonesia10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And Ministry10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And MinistryBefore You JudgeBefore You JudgeMatthew 7:3-5
Greetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerGreetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerSelected Scriptures
Greetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchGreetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 39th AnniversaryA Blessed 39th AnniversaryGalatians 1:10-12
Reaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyReaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyProverbs 3:5-6
YPG Camp TestimonyYPG Camp TestimonyProverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24
Honour The WidowsHonour The Widows1 Timothy 5:3
A Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenA Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenPsalm 133:1
The Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentThe Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentJohn 7:39, 14, 16
Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Selected Scriptures
The Lord’s ComingThe Lord’s ComingSelected Scriptures
Commemorating The Passion WeekCommemorating The Passion WeekSelected Scriptures
Update For CongregationUpdate For Congregation1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Comfort For A New YearComfort For A New Year2 Samuel 22:47
The Meaning Of ChristmasThe Meaning Of ChristmasWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 38th AnniversaryA Blessed 38th Anniversary1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Now Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimNow Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimJoshua 24:14
2024 YPG Camp2024 YPG Camp1 Corinthians 13
An Example Of The BelieversAn Example Of The Believers1 Timothy 4:12
True Life BPC CampTrue Life BPC CampSelected Scriptures
The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024Selected Scriptures
Christ Lifted Up!Christ Lifted Up!John 12:32-33
A Willing HeartA Willing HeartExodus 35:5
A Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchA Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
God Sent His SonGod Sent His SonMatthew 21:33-46