February 13, 2015
Joshua 7-Part 2
Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Joshua 7:11
LET IT GLOW
What went wrong? Do you wonder it when something failed? Perhaps things didn't turn out like you thought they would. That's when I question if it was what God wanted me to do. Could the reason for the failure that I didn't seek the Lord's will before hand? Maybe there was sin in my heart. When do I pray-before or after the task?
Why was Israel unable to defeat the little town of Ai?
Joshua and the elders fell on their face before the Ark of the LORD. Joshua prayed to the LORD for the answer. We do not read of Joshua seeking the Lord's instructions before attacking Ai. He relied upon the strength of his army for the victory. It was after defeat and the loss of 36 men that Israel's leaders asked God about what happened.
Life Application Study Bible gives us some insight:
Imagine praying this way to God. (verses 7-9) This is not a formal church prayer. It is the prayer of a man who is afraid and confused about what is happening around him. Joshua poured out his real thoughts to God. Hiding your needs from God is ignoring the only one who can really help. God welcomes your honest prayers and wants you to express your true feelings to Him. Any believer can become more honest in prayer by remembering that God is all-knowing and all-powerful and that His love is everlasting.
Do we seek God's will before a decision or task or after it is unsuccessful?
Knowing what we should do is not enough, friends. It requires the correct action for victory in Jesus.
LET IT GROW
God gave the answer. There was sin in the camp. That was the reason Israel was unable to conquer the little town of Ai. The entire nation of Israel agreed to follow God back in chapter 5 as they circumcised the males.
Who did it? Joshua organized the Israelites into tribes and families to find the answer. He inquired of them until coming to the tribe of Judah. Achan was of the tribe of Judah. As he confronted Achan, Joshua was touched by the need of Achan's confession.
God's glory will only be reflected back to Him when the life of God's servant is cleared of guilt. (Falwell)
Do we try to hide our sins from God and others? Our sins will eventually find us out and be revealed.
Next time we will delve into the pathway of sin and how Achan fell along the way.
LET IT GO
Turn from the temptation of sin and to God.
Pray before making decisions.
Pray as the task becomes difficult.
Pray for God to receive the glory in my efforts.
Do things God's way, not my way.
Lovingly help others admit their sins and come to Jesus.
Pray honestly to God.
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