Divine Supremacy

Joshua 24:14 through Joshua 24:15 (NCV) ¹⁴Then Joshua said to the people, “Now respect the LORD and serve him fully and sincerely. Throw away the gods that your ancestors worshiped on the other side of the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD. ¹⁵But if you don’t want to serve the LORD, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. You may serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River, or you may serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land. As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”

 Christianity is criticized for being too narrow. Christians may be tempted to counter this charge, but, in so doing we may give away things that do not belong to us. We may, with all good intentions, give away that which belongs to God alone.

The exclusive nature of this passage is central of the biblical message of both testaments. Loving God is like giving love to our spouses. Married couples understand that there is a level of devotion and intimacy given only to one’s husband or wife. This does not mean we disrespect all other men or women in our lives. We may respect the views other religions but would stop short of giving that religion what belongs only to our God – the God of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just as we must not commit adultery in our marriages, we must never commit adultery with other gods.

I first learned the notion of Divine supremacy as a very young Christian. I was asked, “Who or what sits on the throne of your life?” There is room for only one Person to sit on the throne I keep in my heart. That One is Jesus Christ.

       The dearest idol I have known,

Whate’er that idol be,

Help me to tear it from thy throne,

And worship only thee.

William Cowper (1731–1800)

How would this day be lived differently if we kept Jesus Christ on the throne all day long? Let’s strive today to be conscious of pleasing our Lord.

In our striving, may I remind you that Christ’s “way is easy” so be gentle with yourself. “Be of good cheer” our Lord says, “I have overcome the world.”