A sermon by Rev. Mitchell Hay and Rev. Barbara Lemmel.

Hebrew Scripture Joshua 24:1-3a; 14-15

Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, and called a summit of the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel. Once they presented themselves before God, Joshua said to the whole assembly, “This is the word of YHWH, the God of Israel:

‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. But I took your ancestors Sarah and Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led them through the entire region of Canaan."

Joshua then said, “I now call upon you to revere and serve YHWH completely and sincerely. Cast off the gods that your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and worship YHWH alone. If you do not want to worship the Lord, then choose this day whom you will serve, even if it is the gods of your ancestors beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you live. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”