Day 83

Read Joshua 7:1 then 1 Chronicles 2:7, before reading Joshua 7:2 – 9:27

Hidden sin causes public failure. Chapter 7 of Joshua is a story about Achan’s theft that resulted in the consequences for himself, his family, and the community. Defeat at Ai was brought because of Achan’s theft. After mourning, God commanded Joshua to act, not just pray. He commanded Joshua to remove disobedience and restore fellowship. Achan’s sin affected the whole nation of Israel, proving that disobedience is not just private, it impacts our community and fellowship with God. However unfair it may seem, the wrongdoing of one person does indeed affect others adversely. On Day 72 we read Deuteronomy 5:9 – individual responsibility and corporate guilt often go hand in hand.

Although prayer is necessary, God calls us to action. When we are defeated, we must “remove the accursed things” and obey, rather than merely complain about our circumstances. The Valley of Achor (trouble) became a place of dealing with sin, which is necessary before receiving victory. After taking the necessary actions that God commanded, He gave them victory over Ai and enabled them to move forward.

It’s important to notice that in Chapter 8 of Joshua, God told Joshua that they could carry off their plunder and livestock for themselves at the end of the battle. This is because Ai was not the firstfruits unlike Jericho was. Consulting the Lord concerning each battle is also important because the Lord seldom used the same method twice. The Lord led the Israelites in psychological warfare at Jericho, but used military strategy at Ai. Afterward, Joshua followed God’s command for blessings and curses as we read on Day 78 in our chronological reading.

Asks yourself: Is there a “hidden thing” in my life that is hindering my spiritual victory? (hidden attitude, hidden habit, hidden object, etc?)

Today’s reading was full of amazing takeaways. I hope you felt that way too. As I close for today, I want to finish with a 3 big takeaway from Joshua 9…

1. The reputation of Israel’s conquering army under the leadership of Joshua provided the motivation needed to unite these traditionally independent cities.
2. The leaders were fooled by the Gibeonites because they failed to “seek the counsel of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14)
3. Even though the treaty was based on deceit, the leaders of Israel were obligated to honor it since they had sworn by the Lord God of Israel. The commitment of the oath was to the Lord, not to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:18-20)!

SIDENOTE: Isn’t it interesting reading the Bible this way? I love seeing how thorough God has been since the very beginning, don’t you? 

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that Your mercy is greater than my sins. Lord search my heart and give me the courage to examine and identify the “hidden things/forbidden items” in my life and to repent. Help me to live a life of total obedience to bring honor to Your name in every battle I face. Give me the wisdom to seek You in all things, large or small, so that I may not stumble in self-reliance. Help me to be fully consecrated to Your purposes.  Amen.