The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned…
Joshua 7:10-11a
Joshua is heartbroken and totally confused. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Israel has just been routed by the relatively small army of Ai. Three thousand men went to fight and were routed. The army of Ai even killed thirty-six of the men of Israel. Joshua turns to the Lord questioning the Lord. The Lord replies, very simply and clearly, that Israel has sinned.
The Lord had clearly commanded that the Israelites were to destroy everything and not take anything for themselves from Jericho. And yet, Achan had coveted and stolen some of the things. Achan had done wrong and deserved to be punished. But, why then does the Lord say to Joshua, Israel has sinned? Why did the Lord punish Israel for Achan’s sin?
The Bible says in Exodus 34:7 that the Lord maintains love to thousands, forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished. He punishes the children and their children for the sin of parents to the third and fourth generation. Yes, the message is clear. Your sin impacts not just you, but those around too. It impacts your family, your loved ones, even your community, and nation.
The Bible in 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, for the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Our God is a loving and gracious God, but He is also a holy and just God. And we His children, are called to live holy lives, in complete obedience to Him.
Is your disobedience punishing your loved ones?
Help me, Lord, to obey you in all I do, I pray.
Extended Reading — Joshua 5-8
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