Evangelism with ’Canaanites’

“For some of us it is hard enough to make a commitment, let alone fulfilling those commitments.” Jennifer Davis Sensenig, pastor of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, followed this statement with the warning that commitments of the heart do not come with warranties and safety nets.  In Joshua 24, the Israelites recommit to following God, and they do this in the midst of the Canaanite people. Pastor Jennifer suggested that this was likely intentional, that Joshua recounted God’s work among the Israelite people intending it to be overheard by the Canaanites. Perhaps Joshua 24 is a guide for evangelism. It begins by telling stories, including stories of broken-ness and stories of hope. Joshua goes on to tell stories of empire, resisting a culture of domination. Finally, Joshua tells of how God has been bountiful in providing for god’s people. Then, when people respond, Joshua says, “Wait a minute!” He goes on to count the costs of entering into covenant with God. Joshua wants the people to make an informed decision to be God’s people, and he does this through his stories. Are we ready to tell our stories?