In 1979, American singer Bob Dylan released a Grammy award winning album entitled, “Slow Train Coming,” which included the song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” As a teenager I often sang along when the song came up on the radio (yes, I’m that old), thinking that there was a subtle gospel message contained in the lyrics.

The verses of the song essentially contain lists of roles or social status levels from ambassador to construction worker while the famous chorus goes like this:

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

When I read Joshua 24:14-28 I experience the same feeling. Within these verses lies Joshua’s challenge to the nation of Israel as the leader nears the end of his life. Joshua basically says, when it comes right down to it, each of them will follow or obey a deity of some kind. They may not realize it after he’s gone and they forget about Yahweh or fall into following the gods of their neighbors, but they are all intentionally or unintentionally following someone or something.

Is that still true today? Sociologists tell us from studying trends in North America that formal religious adherence is in serious decline. Although most adults would still acknowledge a belief in a higher power, they are no longer following any specific religion. Does that mean Joshua’s challenge to Israel, or Bob Dylan’s 1979 lyrics, would no longer apply?

The answer to this question takes some deeper thought. Drawing upon modern philosophical thought, one can make a case for the fact that even those who adamantly deny the existence of gods, often utilize some type of informal quasi-spiritual practices. A 2023 Pew Research Center study reported that, “Overall, 70% of U.S. adults can be considered “spiritual” in some way, because they think of themselves as spiritual people or say spirituality is very important in their lives.”* This extends to practices from meditation or communing with nature to a home altar or drawing on the power of crystals to help them.

Is that what Joshua is referring to? Well, if you read the rest of the Old Testament you would know that he is talking specifically about following the Lord God who revealed himself to Israel and obeying God’s Law. God was abundantly clear with Israel just as he is now even though the expectations placed on people today are so radically different due to Jesus’ work on the cross.

In essence, then, Joshua’s words to the nation of Israel still ring true today. God places a choice before each person - choose life in him or eternity without him. May you choose salvation today for, as Peter, speaking about Jesus, preached in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

God, thank you for the amazing gift of salvation which you offer to each person. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to choose eternal life with you. Thank you, Jesus, that you made a way for us.

Throughout This Day: Practice gratitude today, meditating on God’s goodness to you.



Tags: Joshua 24 Acts 4
Photo Credit: Djalma Paiva Armelin