Scripture Text: Joshua 7:1
But the Israelites did not obey God. There was a man from the tribe of Judah named Achan, son of Carmi, grandson of Zimri, great-grandson of Zerah. Achan kept some of the things that should have been destroyed. So the Lord became very angry with the Israelites.
Joshua 7:1
Prior to conquering the city of Jericho, God commanded His people (Israelites) through Joshua. He reminded them to destroy everything and don’t take anything else. If they take anything and bring it into their camp, they will be destroyed, and will cause trouble for the rest of the people (Joshua 6:18).
However, Achan, one of the chosen people in the tribe of Judah, broke God's command. He totally disobeyed Him and also disrespected Joshua as God's anointed leader of Israel. Because of the sin he committed, God totally destroyed him. That's why he and his family did not enjoy the benefits of the inheritance (land)—even all his stolen things, belongings, etc. They were wiped out from the earth through stones and were burned with fire (vv. 24, 25, 26). Also, Achan put whole Israel into shame and terrible tragedy and suffering came because of his wrong actions.
Some biblical scholars computed the stolen things that an average worker would have earned in a lifetime (v. 21). He was tempted to secure his future with his family. However, God sees and knows everything. Besides, all things on earth are temporal.
On the other hand, if we compare Achan to a gentile sinner named Rahab, she was destined to terrible destruction but God saved her because she truly repented and obeyed God faithfully. The Lord spared her life, including all her relatives, especially her direct family and they lived in the Promised Land together with the Israelites.
Therefore, as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ and citizens of His kingdom, we must stick and focus on the eternal things rather than temporal things. We must continue to grow spiritually through His church and most importantly, we must give glory to our God.
Reflect
1. Do you desire earthly things for your satisfaction? How about your eternal satisfaction?
2. Have you totally transformed from your former ignorance? If not, ask the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
3. Do you obey Jesus Christ excellently?
Remember
Our citizenship is in heaven, that's why we need to be obedient children of God while we are still here on earth. All things that we can do are for God's glory alone, not for our glory or anybody else's glory. Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to obey the Triune God forever!
Read
Isaiah 1:19; 1 Peter 1:14; 1 Corinthians 10:31
Pray
Dear God, I ask the Holy Spirit to help me to obey You excellently and to be faithful to Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray for Your protection to all believers (followers of the Lord Jesus Christ) for them not to be tempted in anything and to avoid committing sin against You. Help me Lord to overcome my former ignorance in all aspects of my life.
Make me to be an obedient child like Your Son Jesus Christ and continue to mold my heavenly character as part of Your proper people. I continue to worship, praise You. I continue to learn Your Word regularly to know You more and Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen!
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