Joshua 7

Scripture

 

Joshua 7:11

 

Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

In the previous chapter, chapter 6 verses 18 and 19, the Israelites were commanded to keep away from the devoted things (silver, gold, bronze and iron) for they were to be given to the Lord and kept in a special treasury. Achan did not obey and as a result, the Lord's anger burned against ALL of Israel.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

One man's sin had consequences for all of Israel. 

 

The Lord's anger did not just burn for Achan, who was the one who had sinned by taking some of the devoted things, but for the whole nation. The Lord held all of Israel accountable. Joshua had to search for the source of the sin, the person responsible. In verse 12, the Lord said that He would not be with them anymore unless he destroyed whatever among them is devoted to destruction.

 

Life Application

 

As Christ followers, we are called to the business of restoration. 

Sin that is undealt with in the Body of Christ can spread like a cancer and destroy us.

 

I'm honestly thankful that God doesn't call us to stone and burn each other, which was Achan's fate, but rather restore each other gently. Also, this is not just the job of the Pastors and ministry leaders, but ALL who live by the Spirit.

 

Galatians 6:1 says,“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”

 

‭‭The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He seeks to destroy our marriages, our church and eventually our relationship with Christ. If we allow our brothers and sisters to continue sinning, we are also susceptible to that same destruction and fate. That's why we are called to gently restore that person, while at the same time watching ourselves so we don't succumb to the same temptations. 

 

Dear Lord, please help us love our brothers and sisters enough that if they are caught in a sin, whether it be gossip, unfaithfulness, lying, immorality, etc., that we would love You, them, the church and ourselves enough to restore them gently back to the faith and back to abundant life with You. Use us to help them back on their path with You, so they live out their intended identity and calling and stop making unwise decisions. I also pray that I/we would continue to live by the Spirit so that we would be able to recognize the sinful behavior among us and save ourselves from destruction. Amen.

 

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-Michelle Gaddi