Count Us In

Count Us In

"Just for us he drove out all the nations, Amorites and all, who lived in the land. ‘Count us in: We too are going to worship the LORD. He’s our God.’" (Josh. 24:18)

As Israel reflected on the mighty works of God—how He delivered them from the house of bondage in Egypt and preserved them through the wilderness—Joshua challenged them, just as Moses had done before him, to make a decision: to choose whom they would serve.

In response, the children of Israel made a powerful declaration: “Count us in.” They were not merely acknowledging God’s past deeds; they were committing themselves to Him in the present and for the future. Their words were a declaration of loyalty and identity: the God who saved them would also be the God they would serve.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul gives a vivid picture in Romans 11 of a wild olive branch being grafted into a cultivated olive tree. What was once outside becomes part of the tree and begins to share in its life and nourishment.

"For if God was willing to take you who were, by nature, branches from a wild olive tree and graft you into his own good tree—an unusual thing to do—he will be far more eager to graft the Jews back into the tree where they belong." (Rom. 11:24 NLT)

Just as Israel declared, “Count us in,” we too have been graciously brought in through Christ. Once we were outsiders, but now we have been grafted into Him. His life flows through us; His nature shapes us. We are no longer separated from God—we are in Christ.

Because we are in Him, our identity is transformed. As John reminds us, “as He is, so are we in this world.” Our lives now reflect the One to whom we belong.

So the question echoes across generations: I am counted in… are you?

Reflection
Faith is not only about remembering what God has done; it is about responding to Him with a willing heart. Like Israel, every generation must make its own decision. Being “counted in” means identifying ourselves with God openly, choosing Him above all else, and allowing His life to flow through us daily. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to belong to Him.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me into Your family and grafting me into Christ. Thank You that I am no longer outside but counted among Your people. Help me to live each day in the reality of being in Christ, reflecting Your nature in my words, thoughts, and actions. Strengthen my commitment to You so that my life will continually declare, “Count me in.”
Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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