Saturday, December 10

AI: THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

Joshua 7

As we look at the steps to the stable, we would like to think that every step was in God’s order, but one thing God did not do when He wrote the Bible is tell only what everyone did right—no, He also told what people did wrong and what the consequences were. We see that clearly in this story just after the great victory at Jericho, everyone is excited; they have seen God’s hand in this. Chapter 6 is all about victory, but chapter 7 is going in a different direction. God gave very clear direction in the battle for Jericho, and He also gave instructions concerning the spoils of war. Chapter 6:17 says, "The city shall be accursed," which means to be destroyed, "even it and all that is therein to the Lord." But Achan took a different step—his own step towards his own future. Chapter 7:21 says he saw in the plunder a robe and some gold and silver and he wanted them. You see, nothing is new under the sun. Just like Eve saw the forbidden fruit in the garden and coveted it, so Achan coveted the gold and took it and hid it, because he knew it was wrong. Well, an all-knowing God has a way of exposing our hidden sin, and it didn’t take long.

After the victory at Jericho, the Jews quickly got back to the task at hand—claiming their inheritance. That meant another battle; the next city to be taken was Ai, and Joshua sent in spies to scout the city. They came back saying that it would be an easy victory. They wouldn’t even need the whole army. So Joshua attacks and what basically happens, is, he was routed and beaten back with a loss of men. What happened? Just days before, they had seen a great victory, now a stunning defeat! Was God not with them, and why not? Joshua needed answers, so he did what we are all supposed to do—he went to God in prayer, vss. 6-8. Our God is an answering God, and he quickly answered Joshua. In vs. 10, God tells him to get up, take off your weeping clothes, and to put on your judge's robe. There is sin in the Body, and you need to root it out. He did it through a series of lots cast, and it came down to Achan. He was exposed and trouble came on his household that day. He was stoned, along with his family, and their bodies burned and rocks piled on their ashes. And that place is called the Valley of Achor, which, in the Hebrew, means trouble.

Achan certainly caused a lot of trouble, not only for his family, but also for all of Israel. They suffered a terrible defeat and 36 men lost their lives. I am sure Achan did not want all this trouble, but sin has consequences. All Israel suffered because of one man’s sin. If Israel is a picture of the church, does one member's sin cause trouble on the whole congregation? I know I wouldn’t want others to suffer for my hidden sin. So the question is, is there hidden sin in your life? Sin that will cause others, not only you, to stumble. Take the right step, repent and lay your sin at the Cross. God can change your steps as He did in Hosea 2:15 when He said He will change the Valley of Achor to a door of hope.

~ Jim Frantz