Sin in the camp

HIGHLIGHT

Joshua 7:1 (ESV): 7But 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.

EXPLAIN

Joshua 6 tells the story of Jericho’s fall. It is a great, magnificent example of God’s power. The last verse of that chapter says God was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout all the land.

The first verse of chapter 7 is ominous. Even though only one man sinned, the scriptural record says the “people of Israel” sinned. Furthermore, God’s anger burned against all the people.

Whether the plan to send only a few men to conquer Ai was a sign of acting outside of God’s will could be debated. Surely, the men appear to have been overconfident, for without God’s blessing they could do little.

Indeed, when God told Joshua to stop praying and take care of the sin in the camp, God said the people had become devoted for destruction (v. 12).

APPLY

Has the Church today forfeited God’s power, blessing, and wisdom because we have tolerated sin in the camp?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to live holy and pure before you. May my life, my family and my church be pure and holy, blameless in how we act, speak, and think. Amen.

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