March 24 - Joshua7:1 | 1 Chronicles 2:7 | Joshua 7:2-9:27

Good morning everyone,

This morning we begin our reading with the words “but the Israelites were unfaithful”. Now that’s never a good. You will remember yesterday in chapter six the Israelites were told not to take any of the plunder for themselves; well, Achan was weak that day and made a poor choice. Instead of obeying the Lord he pocketed some of the loot. That did not bode well with the God.

So now, without any knowledge of Achan’s sin Joshua sent about 3000 men to attack Ai. Sadly Joshua had made that decision without consulting the Lord and they suffered a terrible defeat. Too often, especially when the task seems small, we rely on our own strength to complete it. Perhaps if Joshua had thought to consult God things would have gone differently. Only God knows what the future holds for us, so even when “life is good” we should be seeking His guidance. Had Joshua spoken to God, Achan could have been dealt with before the battle, resulting in a totally different outcome. 

Nonetheless, Joshua has found out the hard way that God was not happy with the disobedience of Israel and is assigned with the task of finding out who exactly the guilty person is. By process of elimination, they will examine all the tribes, clans, families and then men until the thief is exposed. Imagine, for a moment if you will, everyone standing around; they are confused by the seeming abandonment of the Lord and now they find out that one of their own people has brought this judgement down on them. They are looking around from person to person with the question in their eyes, “did you do this?” Now, let’s imagine the relief you’d experience when you find out your family is in the clear, and then if you can, imagine the fear, probably terror Achan must have been feeling as the suspect pool grew smaller and smaller. Finally the spotlight falls on him, he’s busted and as a consequence of choice he and all that belonged to him would be stoned then burned. 

To some that may seem harsh, but Achan’s sin was more than just indifference to evil, more than just greed for riches. Achan’s sin was in disobeying God’s direct order, in blatantly disregarding God’s command. Oh sure, Achan was probably a very good man; I can hear it now, “Achan? We go to church together. Wonderful guy, always there to help, would never hurt anyone.” How easily, though, Achan was distracted and gave in, when he thought no one was looking, by the bangles the enemy dangled before him. God does not want a “part time” Christian, it is not okay to pick and choose when we will obey. Matthew 12:30 says “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Again in Luke 11:23 says “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” God wants us “with Him” all of the time. All the time! God has commanded us to eliminate false gods from our lives. That is to say any thoughts, practices or possessions that hinder our obedience and devotion to Him. 

When we obey God’s word we choose life, to disobey is to choose death, passing that sentence, either way, along to our families. Ultimately everyone is responsible for their own decision for Christ but the example of peace and light and speaking God’s truth to your children while they are young, starts them out on the right path. 

Let your’s be the prayer of David in Psalm 25:4-7 “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me,for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.”

I pray you have a wonderful day, to God be the glory.

God bless you all …