On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.
Joshua 24:25

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READ: Joshua 24:14-28

We see the word “Renew” frequently these days. It seems like it’s always time to renew something: our driver’s license, gym membership, or a subscription to Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Microsoft Office—so many opportunities to renew! But perhaps the most symbolic and beautiful modern-day renewal is the renewal of wedding vows. Couples might renew their vows for any number of reasons. Maybe they’ve overcome some relational challenges and they want to declare their recommitment to each other. Or perhaps they’ve reached a milestone wedding anniversary and want to mark it with a ceremony that reaffirms their continued love and loyalty.

For the nation of Israel, Joshua laid out an opportunity to both renew their commitment to following God and to reaffirm their love and loyalty to Him. Joshua wisely acknowledged that such a renewal is a choice, not a mandate. Just as one spouse forcing the other spouse to renew their wedding vows would miss the whole point, a coerced renewal to love and follow God wouldn’t work. Both types of renewal must come from the heart.

After Joshua reviewed the long history of God’s faithfulness, he renewed his personal commitment to serving God, and the people of Israel followed suit—renewals that came from the heart.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

A Renewed Relationship with God | Michael D. | Willow North Shore

My first experience with God was as a child when my grandfather was in the hospital. As a family, we sought God’s comfort—and I sensed it. After my grandfather passed away, my family slowly drifted from faith. Years later, in high school, some close friends invited me to a summer camp through Willow. It was there that I first felt God’s presence in a real way. When they asked if anyone wanted to give their life to Jesus, I felt ready and stepped forward. My leader gave me my first Bible. After camp, life returned to normal. I didn’t read my Bible much, but I kept it close by.

In my twenties, I was focused on chasing dreams that I thought would bring fulfillment. One day on social media, I came across a post about the Prodigal Son, and I thought about the decision I’d made to follow Jesus in high school. I visited Willow again, and to my surprise, the sermon was on the Prodigal Son. But around that time, family issues began to surface, and I found myself drifting once more.

Later, I saw another post—this time about the life of David. Coincidentally, Willow had just launched a new series on conflict, based on David’s story. That message pulled me back in, and I renewed my faith for good. I joined a Rooted group and was encouraged to take the next step in my faith through Baptism—and in April 2025, I got baptized at Willow North Shore. Today, life feels lighter. I have peace, joy, and meaningful relationships. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” have become my anchor, reminding me to seek God’s kingdom above all else.

DID YOU KNOW?

Before asking Israel to renew their commitment to God, Joshua twice told them to leave the past behind by throwing away any idols they still held onto (24:14b and 24:23a). Perhaps they didn’t actually worship these idols—maybe they were just little souvenirs they’d kept from past battles—but Joshua knew those idols stood in the way of Israel following God wholeheartedly. The patriarch Jacob had given a similar exhortation in Genesis 35:2, telling the people to “get rid of the foreign gods you have with you.” Jacob then buried those surrendered idols under an oak tree in Shechem, the same city where Joshua and the Israelites now gathered. Perhaps Joshua chose Shechem as their gathering place for this very reason. Regardless, both leaders clearly knew that following God forward meant leaving idols behind.

A PRAYER

God, help me identify the idols I still cling to and leave them behind. Help me renew my commitment to love and follow You. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Describe a type of renewal that brings you joy. What does it cost you? What must you forego or leave behind?

What person, habit, hobby, or interest risks becoming an idol that stands between you and God?