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06Jos007.mp3
Commentary
Joshua 7
Achan, like nearly every human being in the world today, took what was comely to the eye, and hid his sin so that he could covet such, even though it added none to his wealth or stature. All sin is designed to bring on an adversity between man and God. Just as the heathen tribes and nations had learned that God's People cannot be defeated at all unless they turn from the law of God, so it is today, as we fight for our promised life with God; life, and that more abundant. Nothing can separate us from what God would do to increase us greatly above all the world, in possessions and in strength, except if we turn away from the perfect will of God to possess in our hearts that which is forbidden.
The only weakness in our armor is located just beneath the impregnable plate mail... our heart, and the lusts thereof. Understand this, our transformation occurs by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Our minds are renewed by education, repetition, and dedication to that which is good. We must meditate upon these, both day and night (Philippians 4:8). This is the formula by which God did transform the former slaves of the heathen nation of Egypt. The Egyptians knew nothing of the One True God, so it seems accurate to think the Hebrews did practice the heathen way of worship to idols. This seems logical enough that they would be tainted by the rites and rituals of their Egyptian wives and concubines, insomuch that they had nearly completely forgotten the true worship of the Almighty God.
Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, of whom flows the covenant of God that this will rise to be the greatest nation of all the world, did that which was right in the sight of God. The dedication to God, in all that the heart finds true did fade over the course of 400 years in slavery. Eventually the Israelite slaves of the Egyptians lost most of the memory of true worship. Today, we know the way of true worship and service to God, or do we? We know what the Book teaches us, and I know that there are a great many variations of interpretations of just what God intends for us to do for Him. To be sure that our interpretation is pleasing to God, we must begin again at the start of this whole thing.
The pattern of repentance begins during this 40 year wandering; also conceived as the "training ground" for the People. In Romans 12:2 we learn that the way to be separate from the world, and to be transformed into a man of God, we need to "think on these things..." (Philippians 4:8). Remember that we do need to apply effort toward this goal, but that we must be ever mindful that this is a battle between God and Satan. This is not our fight. All that concerns us is that we choose this day who we will serve, God or Satan. Should we choose the way of God, we need to learn of His will for us. We need a wilderness journey that will teach us the way. We need to become lost to all that we had learned, and then be found again into a way of holiness. We learn God's will initially by His instruction and guidance. Then we continue in a process of trial and error. We need not repeat any mistakes that others have made before us, but some will repeat. Others will deliberately rebel because of the strength of influence that our old selves have established as a way of life, and know no other... yet.
For those who do want to follow all that God wills for us, His mercy is great for you. He will establish His name in you. He will show the unbelieving world that His justice is balanced with His mercy and grace. The result is that we will be risen to greatness, far exceeding any that do not know Him. Achan had done what we all do, when we have displeased God. His action was well understood as deliberate sin, enticed and then lusted for, and resulted in death (James 1:14-15).
The good news is, every time the People repents of sin, God's mercy stops the adverse effects and begins again to restore the People. He does exactly the same today, for those who will accept His way, the way. Achan did confess his sin before God and man, and he did admit that his lust had brought on this great sin. Even still, he was judged, sentenced and executed by stoning; him and all that he had. The result of his sin was what caused great suffering. He didn't come forward to admit his wrong until after many innocent people had died at the hand of the enemy. God will not protect wickedness. Achan brought great wickedness to the fight and the People of his company were defeated and humiliated before their enemies. Ai was a small foe and they defeated the siege of God's army.
Such disgrace to the name of God will not be tolerated. How often do we profess to be Christian, yet partake of the accursed thing? If you said, "everyday" you are honest and accurate. All of us are subject to God's anger and justice. If it were not for His mercy, we'd be wiped out completely. However, He will continue to offer you a better life if we come back to Him. We will learn, He will guide us patiently and justly. He will show us and the world who He is, through His many mighty works.
Friday, February 26, 2010 6:51am
