One of the dangers of past successes is that it can lead to complacency. Positive outcomes are exciting, but they can make us feel overconfident, overly optimistic, and in control. Soon we’re humbled and brought back to reality when we experience failure.
This seems to be what Joshua and Israel felt when they went to take Ai (Joshua 7:2-3). God had given them overwhelming victory and success in their previous battle at Jericho. So they must have thought that taking Ai would be a piece of cake, especially since there were so few of them. They were, however, routed and embarrassed (Joshua 7:4-5).
What went wrong? They were crushed because a guy named Achan had clandestinely breached the covenant by coveting and taking the devoted things (things dedicated for destruction, Joshua 7:1). As a result, the Lord’s anger burned against the whole community of Israel.
Though it was the act of one man, God’s wrath was experienced by all, for the whole nation was in covenant with Him (Joshua 7:11-12). God pointed out to Joshua that Israel had violated His covenant, and He instructed him to deal severely with the perpetrator who brought trouble on the entire community. Joshua obeyed God. Achan confessed his spiritual failure, and he and his entire family were severely punished.
Achan’s sad story teaches us: (1) Sin will weaken God’s people and rob the community of holiness before God. (2) There are always consequences to our sins. (3) When we fail, we need to refocus our lives on God and his glory. (4) We should confess our sins to God and others when they are revealed to us. (5) When we deal with sin, we must eradicate it. (6) Spiritual failure should teach us not to make the same mistake twice (Joshua 8:1). By, God’s grace, we can move on.
More:
• Ezra 9:6
• Daniel 9:7
• James 5:14-16
Next:
How have your sins weakened your fellowship with God? What sins do you need to confess to God today?
Debrinconcita on July 10, 2010 at 1:29 am
This is such an important issue, to build your relationship with God. Don’t ever feel like there’s something that will dissappoint him, and his love will waiver. I used to think this way, that I made him angry so I could never ask for forgiveness. I was so wrong, NOW I KNOW LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL
pteast on July 10, 2010 at 5:16 am
But I do feel like such a failure, that I will never make it through. Then I hear His voice. He loves me. ME. Thank you God for not giving up on me when I give up on myself.
lindagma on July 10, 2010 at 6:05 am
None of us are worthy… that’s what grace is all about.. and why Christ came. God looks on the heart. He knows we fail, but he also knows that we love Him and want to do what is right. Remember the verse of Paul. That which I would do, I do not. That which I would not do, I do. That’s what heaven is all about. There will be no more struggle with the flesh… can you imagine! The important thing for now is to recognize when we sin and quickly take care of it. When you pray each day, ask God to point out anything in your life that is not right. I can tell you from personal experience… that sin will pop into your head like an exploding kernel of corn. Be humble, yes, and remember that you will not reach perfection until we are with Him… but remember that you are a child of the King. You are Royalty and we are useless to His purpose if we are down on ourselves.
gstolani on July 11, 2010 at 1:31 am
As we journey we need to be very careful not take his grace for granted, God’s agenda is that we should overcome our spiritual faliures everyday by his grace so I believe I need to be watchful on myself as God gives instruction to me and how I carried it out. Achan was instructed before he sinned though we claim mercy but the devil will prefer such excuse inorder to get rid of our life . I believe that He will forgive whoever seek him for it we need to be seek for daliy spiritual growth
donreid77 on July 10, 2010 at 8:08 am
Part of the lesson here seems to be understanding the effect that my sin has on those around me and the effect the sin of others has on me. Yes, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive me and restore me but if my repentance doesn’t lead to change I’m right back where I started. In this hedonistic world called the United States I am confronted constantly with images that lead my mind to places that it should not go. I fear for the effects on teenages and young adults who are still searching for the meaning of life. Further, how do we help the christian brother caught in the web of pornography, abuse and neglect.
I fear the tendency is to try to provide a safe haven for ourselves and our children behind the walls of the church. The command is to go into the world, to be salt and light but not be contaminated by it. The challange to the church is enermous and overwhelming – do we even recognize it?
R R Kelkar on July 11, 2010 at 2:12 am
donreid77, you have correctly drawn attention to the ‘challenge before the church’.as you have put it. In today’s world we are trying to have spirituality without God, Christianity without the church, and Christ without suffering. The internet and satellite TV are powerful media of course, but we need to keep alive our basic faith and the institution of the church and work through them.