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Intention

Let us decide to whom we will bow.

Scripture

“So, fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshipped… serve the Lord alone.
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve…
But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
— Joshua 24:14-15

Reflection

Remember the song “You’re Gonna Serve Somebody”? We are living in an age where lines are being drawn in the sand… like it or not. While we yearn for simpler times, this is our time. The question posed fresh to us today is: “Whom are you going to serve?”

Back in the 80s, we had three small sons. I was harried and hassled — worn out. We struggled financially and had no family support. When we came to Jesus, we not only accepted Him as our Saviour… He was also my friend. Some of the simplest conversations I had with Him were whispered while hanging out washing. A few precious moments of peace and quiet in a very noisy household. Nowadays, I can sit with a pen and paper — worship music playing — in an empty house (if Ivan is at golf), a house full of memories. Tears roll down my cheeks in humble thanks to my God, Who has never given up on me. He knows me: authentically, uniquely me.

My prayers back then often focused on our needs, and they were many. Now, my supplications are deeper. It’s not about us; it’s about Him and others. Salvation for our family, the prodigals, protection, prayers for the widows we know, the sick, our country and her leaders. We have a valid concern for the degradation of so much we hold dear.

In songwriting, reading, and study, there’s more depth and a sense of spiritual urgency. Perhaps you can identify with this? I sense a call to “come up higher” — a call to worship, prayer and commitment to Him and the Gospel message.

We live in a highly materialistic world. Our wardrobes are full, costume jewelry lies in piles, our tool sheds are packed, our resumes are bursting with achievements. Yet, for many, there is an emptiness within. We bow down at the altar of “speed of light” communications, fast food, culture demanding our obedience and worship. It’s not like we haven’t been warned. For all that we have, this age has created a deep sense of despair and lack of hope.

Yet this morning, I heard Him whisper: “Don’t swallow your sorrow — release it to Me through your prayers and your worship.”

Many parents and grandparents have felt sorrow for their children, broken families, drugs, gender and education gone mad. Our fathers and sons are devalued. The war on families rages. Yet He implores us to come and leave it with Him at the foot of the cross. This is a spiritual battle, make no mistake! Do we bow down to the assault, or make the recommitment to only bow to Him?

Bowing down is inevitable; to whom we bow is optional.

Video

Prayer

Lord God, we confess our desperate need of You.

Without You, we are prone to be tossed upon the rocky outcrops of compromise and fall into the waters of deception. Jesus, Rock of our salvation, it’s on You we stand. And having done all, we will stand. And when we bow, let it be only to You!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Author Bio

Leonie and her husband Ivan are songwriters, worship leaders, parents and grandparents. They have operated in lay ministry in cross-denominational settings for many years. Leonie writes poetry and lyrics and is an artist of great repute (according to her granddaughter, at least!). Both Leonie and her husband take a great interest in history, current events and politics.