Joshua 7: Obey God

Ok my loves let’s do a recap of history before we get into the facts of Joshua 7. 

Joshua was Moses apprentice, who was appointed by God to led the Israelites. So far we know that in preparation of crossing the Jordan River, Joshua  sent two young men to scout out Jericho, a town the Israelites would have to conquer in order to enter the hill country (the promise land). Jericho is where we met our heroine Rehab, who aided the spies because of her faith in God. 

Yesterday we learned about the priest stepping out into the Jordan River and the flow was temporarily stopped so that the Israelites could cross. We all know the famous and dramatics story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and God conquering Jericho by having the Israelites march around the wall of a Jericho until it’s fall on the seventh day of marching. 

In chapter 7 God is displeased when a man named Achan disobeyed His instructions. All of Israel suffered a setback because of Achan’s sin. 

“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.” Joshua 7:1 

Because God was angry with the Israelites He did not give them victory when they attempted to conquer the area of Ai. Joshua and the elders bowed to the grow before God to seek understanding on their defeat. 

 “Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?”” Joshua 7:7-9 

In return God responds with an answer and instructions for how to correct Achan’s sin. 

  “Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies. They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry.” Joshua 7:24-26 

Harsh, right! But what does this mean? 

1. Obey God and He will do what He said He would do.
2. Don’t just do some of what God says, fully obey.
3. We suffer the consequences of our sin but so does our family and our community. 

“Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!”” 2 Chronicles 24:20 

Meditate on:  Proverbs 2:1-5 “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5 

Application: Don’t be enticed by the things laid out by the enemy from the things God is wanting me to do. 

Prayer: Lord please help me to be obedient to you. Keep my path straight. Help me to focus on you and not be distracted by the enemy. In Jesus name, amen.