For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
At the very end of his life, Joshua asks the people the biggest question of all - and makes a famous promise.
Today's Story
For his very last gathering, Joshua reminded the people of their whole story: how God had called Abraham, rescued them from Egypt, parted the sea, led them through the desert, and given them the Promised Land. “Everything you have is because of God's goodness!” Joshua said.
Then Joshua asked them the most important question of all. “So now, CHOOSE this very day who you will serve! Will you serve God, who has done all this for you? Or will you serve other things? You must decide.”
And then Joshua made his own famous, bold declaration. He said: “But as for ME and my HOUSE - my whole family - WE will serve the Lord!” Joshua had decided. No matter what anyone else chose, he and his family would love and follow God.
The people answered, “We will serve the Lord too! He is our God!” Every person gets to make this choice: who will I serve? And the very best choice, like Joshua's, is to say, “I will serve the Lord!”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Joshua said, “Choose this day who you will serve.” What does it mean to choose to serve God?
- Joshua chose for his whole family: “We will serve the Lord!” How can your family serve God together?
- Joshua remembered everything God had done before choosing. Why does remembering God's goodness help us choose Him?