Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

land possessed so many sacred connections. Here were the
mountains Ebal and Gerizim, the silent witnesses of those vows that
they had now gathered together to renew in the presence of their
dying leader. God had given them a land for which they did not
work, cities that they had not built, and vineyards and oliveyards
that they had not planted. Joshua reviewed the history of Israel once
more, reminding them of the wonderful works of God so that
everyone might have a sense of His love and mercy and might serve
Him "in sincerity and in truth."
By Joshua's order the ark had been brought from Shiloh. This
symbol of God's presence would deepen the impression he wished
to make upon the people. After presenting the goodness of God
toward Israel, he called for them to choose whom they would serve.
To some extent they were still worshiping idols secretly, and Joshua
tried now to bring them to a decision to banish this sin from Israel.
"If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord," he said, "choose for
yourselves this day whom you will serve." Joshua wanted to lead
them to serve God not by force, but willingly. To serve Him only for
the hope of reward or fear of punishment was unacceptable.
Hypocrisy and mere formal worship were as offensive to God as
was open apostasy.
The Importance of Right Choice
The aged leader urged the people to think about what he had
explained to them. If it seemed evil to serve the Lord, the source of
power, the fountain of blessing, let them that day choose whom they
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