Friday, 14th July 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: AVOID THE WAY OF ACHAN
THEME SCRIPTURE: “But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.” – Joshua 7:1
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How did the people of Israel break faith regarding the devoted things?
Reflecting on the judgment and consequences that befell Achan and everything associated with him, if you know the story, one may be tempted to conclude that it was a harsh one on him and his household.
Upon meditating on the entire case story, you will begin to grasp the profound impact Achan’s sins had on the entire nation of Israel. We observe how the sin of one man resulted in the defeat of an entire nation and the unfortunate loss of thirty-six lives. Throughout history, the body of Christ has had unsettling moments and scandalous incidents perpetrated by some individuals and influential members of His body. These moments have been hurtful to the body of Christ and our Lord, who is the head. The enemies of Christ and His bride have skillfully spun these incidents around, tarnishing her reputation.
God led Israel to defeat a city as mighty as Jericho (Joshua 6). Characteristically of God, He provided an elaborate guide and instructions on how the conquest of Jericho was to be carried out. Embedded in these instructions was the caution to keep off the thing devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:18). The city of Jericho was cursed by God and was hence devoted to complete destruction. What this caution sought to warn Israel of is the fact that anyone who meddles in or associates with any of the cursed things in Jericho is also cursed, and this curse will extend to the whole camp of Israel. Unfortunately for Israel, Chapter 7 begins with a reference to a crime “But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi…took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.” What God warned Israel against has happened. Unbeknownst to the whole nation, the verdict on the private sin of an individual was transferred to them.
Achan indulged himself in covetousness and unfortunately brought a curse on Israel, causing God's people to be defeated and chased by a nation as small as Ai.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, there are so many lessons to glean from this one single incident that hurt Israel so badly. To experience regeneration is to identify with the body of Christ globally. To belong to a local assembly places on you the responsibility to look out for other members of the Church. Though silent, it is conceivable that at least one person within the household of Achan might have witnessed his covetousness but refused to confront him and bring it to the attention of Joshua. Our failure to hold other members of the body of Christ accountable for their actions and inactions will not only hurt them but will inflict collective reputational damage on all of us.
We need to fearlessly and impartially correct each other when the need arise, with no fear or favor, to safeguard the integrity of the body of Christ as a whole.
There is a need for us to be conscious that our actions and inactions do not only affect us but also people who are close to us. We need to stay off the things God has warned us to stay off, and avoid indulging in them secretly. In a world full of scandals concerning ethics and morality, will you resolve to uphold holiness, whether privately or publicly, in all your doings? God bless you.
FURTHER READING – Joshua 7
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How is your life contributing to the glory of Christ or dulling His image?
- Is there a need to turn from a secret sin? Would you, for Christ's sake?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to do away with all secret sins and grant me the grace to correct other members of the body of Christ in love in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 28; Jeremiah 4; Matthew 15
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