5 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Joshua 5-7
Luke 6:27-49

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Joshua 7:1 (CSB): “The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Joshua 6 is a chapter of victory. Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River on dry ground as the Lord miraculously stopped the waters. Jericho, the first major city, stood before them. As the chapter plays out, we see that God took the city so that the Israelites could not lay claim to the victory but, instead, realized that they must depend upon the Lord for each step they took.

As Joshua 7 begins, we learn something new. We realize that during the battle at Jericho, a man named Achan took some things of value for himself. This was a clear act of disobedience since the Lord had clearly stated that everything in Jericho was under the ban (Joshua 6:18); nothing was to be taken.

In Joshua 7:1, we read that Achan “took some of what was set apart.” In Joshua 7:8, when Achan was discovered and publicly informed everyone of his offense, we learn that he had taken a Babylonian cloak, some silver, and some gold.

But if you look back at Joshua 7:1, while Achan is the only person said to have disobeyed the Lord, we learn that the Lord wasn’t merely angry at Achan. We realize that He was furious at the whole nation of Israel because of one man.

Joshua 7:1 (CSB): “The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites.” (emphasis mine)

When God informed Joshua of the sin later in the chapter, He clearly held the whole nation responsible, not just Achan. Observe how often God says “they,” not “he.”

Joshua 7:11 (CSB): “Israel has sinned. They have violated my covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put those things with their own belongings.” (emphasis mine)

There is a biblical principle here. Are you ready for it? Here it is: God sometimes sees us as individuals, and sometimes, He sees us as part of a larger unit.

In other words, there are times when we sin and may not repent quickly enough, so God moves in discipline against us and only us.

But sometimes, we sin and may not repent quickly, and God moves against the group we are a part of. This is what God did with Achan and the Israelites. One man sinned, but God held the whole nation of Israel responsible even though they had not committed the sin and did not know that anyone had disobeyed the Lord.

Often, God’s discipline of a group may simply take the form of consequences. One person’s sin may negatively affect those in their group.

I once took a trip to Ecuador. The plane landed in Quito, and then we took a bus ride over the Andes Mountains to Shell, Ecuador. Imagine that our bus driver was intoxicated as he drove us along those winding, mountainous roads with breathtaking views of the valley far below us. Imagine, in his drunken stupor, that he accidentally drove over the cliff’s edge as we all plunged to our deaths in the valley far below. It was his sin! He was the one who was intoxicated! But we all died, nonetheless. Sometimes, one person’s sin negatively affects everyone in their group.

For example, a father’s sin of spiritual apathy might cause his children to never trust in Jesus so that they must spend eternity in a horrible place called Hell. A church member’s sin of unforgiveness might cause God’s hand of blessing to be withheld from her church. On and on we could go about how one person’s sin could negatively affect those in the larger group.

Friend, our relationship with Jesus isn’t private. It never was, and it never will be. What we do can have a direct impact on those around us, especially those we love. So, chase after Jesus and live a life of obedience because He is worthy of such a life. But also do so because you don’t want to be an “Achan.” You don’t want others to suffer because you lack wholehearted obedience.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see how your disobedience can negatively affect those you love.
  • Ask God to help you cultivate a renewed passion to love Him with everything you’ve got and live a life of obedience that flows from that love.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into Achan’s sin and God’s judgment on him, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)