the happiest death
"After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten." —Joshua 24:29
Among the last things Joshua did before he died at the age of 110 was to invite the tribes of Israel to make the decision to serve the Lord, that is, to worship God alone with all their hearts. Joshua practiced what he preached by publicly making the decision: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:15). Then the people of God decided to be God's people not only in name but in reality (Jos 24:21).
When you die:
- Will you be totally committed to serving the Lord?
- Will your family be so united in the true faith that you can speak for the whole family and proclaim: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"? (Jos 24:15)
- Will your nation accept your invitation to totally commit itself to Jesus?
Joshua died an extremely happy and holy death. He died when he was old, peaceful, and successful. He died with his family united in the faith. He died with his nation committed to the Lord rather than trapped in sinful idolatry. Would that we may die as Joshua died!
Prayer: Father, anoint me as a powerful evangelizer of my family and neighbors.
Promise: "Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' And He laid His hands on their heads." —Mt 19:14-15
Praise: St. Stephen, king of Hungary, dedicated himself to having not just his family serve the Lord, but his entire nation as well.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ, or our audio tape AV 42-3 or video tape V-42.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003