Police Devotional 9-28-20
A Brave Soldier, a Godly Leader, and a Loyal Family Man
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Joshua was loyal to Israel. He proved it by putting his life on the line in combat. We have freedom in America because men and women are willing to do the dirty work and fight bad guys who want to rip our freedoms away. We also have people in office who have done the dirty work and fought enemies. Some have even suffered serious wounds in combat. Their political positions may be disputable, but their loyalty and love to America, be they Democrat or Republican, are not. They deserve respect for their service.
Joshua was also a godly leader. When he said these words, he was old and close to death. His words, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” were a challenge to the Israelites, in a way. If there were any sleazy stories about Joshua’s life or career: mistresses on the side, fishy political deals, or other bad behavior, now would be the time to bring them up and call Joshua’s bluff. Yet Joshua was not bluffing, and everyone knew it. They knew Joshua was for real. They saw it in his personal and professional life.
Joshua told the Israelites, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve;” That is, if they wanted to abandon the God who had saved them from Egypt and done so many miracles for them, and go serve idols, he and his family wouldn’t go along. You may have to confront fellow politicians or even fellow party members who are on the wrong side of some issues. It will be tough, but God put you where you are. He’ll give you the grace to do it, and He blesses obedience: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Most people don’t know the struggles, temptations, and stresses you go through. Yet God knows, and He knows how to help. You can open His Word and find words to speak to your heart, enlighten you, and give you wisdom: “For the LORD giveth wisdom:” (Proverbs 2:6) God also wants you to talk with Him! Find a private place to give Him the details of the struggles you’re going through: “…ye people, pour out your heart before him:” (Psalm 62:8) You will be amazed at how He cares, gives you grace, and answers prayer!
Joshua was also a loyal family man: “…as for me AND MY HOUSE [capitals added], we will serve the LORD.” Families are important. Don’t sacrifice family for your career. Political families, like police families, make tough sacrifices most people may never think about. Your family deserves special honor.
A story is told how British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was being interviewed by a journalist in her office. She noticed the time was about 5:45 pm. She suddenly stopped the interview, rushed out to a pastry shop, made a purchase, then returned to the interview, explaining that she wanted to pick up her husband’s favorite pastry before the shop closed. One of the most powerful leaders in the world took the time to do that for her spouse! Your spouse and family deserve a special level of respect and loyalty.
The Bible is great for guidance and help. Most of all, it tells us how to have eternal life in heaven. To learn more, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 9/28/2020
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822