CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES
Don Hawley
At the time the covenant was renewed at Shechem, Joshua challenged the people: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." Years later another Joshua, Jesus Christ, brought the people to the place of decision.
Scriptures tell us that the common people were drawn to Christ by the thousands, but many leaders saw him only as a threat and hated him. Unfortunately, the leaders were held in reverential awe by the laity, and ultimately the latter were inclined to follow wherever they were led.
As the crisis reached a crescendo the people hailed Jesus with loud hallelujahs. But hours later, as the "chief priests stirred up the crowd,"they screamed "Crucify him!" And Jesus went to the cross.
Now he is about to return as King of King and Lord of Lords. Once again the crisis hour approaches. Hundreds of thousands are finding in the worldwide renewal something to shout hallelujahs about. But once again many leaders are mounting a stiff opposition to what is taking place. Eventually all will be forced to choose one way or another, and that choice could have eternal consequences.
No wonder leaders will be judged so much more closely than the laity. Still, no one can put the final blame on another. We each have the power of choice, and choosing time is upon us.