They Presented Themselves Before God
They Presented Themselves Before God “Joshua called together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He called in the elders, chiefs, judges, and officers. They presented themselves before God.” (Josh. 24:1) As Joshua prepared to exit the scene of leadership, he did not only prepare himself; he also prepared the leaders and the people for the future. He summoned the elders, chiefs, judges, and officers of Israel and gathered them together. Yet the Scripture says something striking: they presented themselves before God. Here is the important lesson. Although Joshua called the meeting, the people did not present themselves before Joshua—they presented themselves before God . This reminds us that in service, leadership, or ministry, even when people invite us or organize the gathering, it is ultimately God before whom we stand. Human beings may call us to serve, to lead, or to attend, but our true audience is always God. Our accountability is to Him. This is why the apostle Paul urges ...