April 4

As Joshua nears the end of his life in Joshua 24, he calls the people of Israel to make a decision: “Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). After years of God’s faithfulness in leading them to the Promised Land, Joshua reminds the people that their loyalty must be to God alone.  

This call to wholehearted devotion is echoed in Psalm 116, where the psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance: “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?” (Psalm 116:12). When we recognize God's goodness and faithfulness, our natural response should be a life of worship and service to Him.  

In Luke 19, we see different responses to Jesus’ presence. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, chooses to turn from his old ways and joyfully follows Jesus, demonstrating true repentance. However, others reject Christ, missing the opportunity to receive His salvation. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they failed to recognize the time of God's visitation.  

God is always calling us to make a choice—will we follow Him completely, or will we hold onto other things? Joshua, the psalmist, and Zacchaeus remind us that the only right response to God’s grace is full surrender.  

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