In Joshua 7, we learn of
the sin of Achan. Even though God expressly forbade the taking of any devoted
things belonging to the Canaanite tribes, Achan just couldn’t help himself. He
absconded with a robe and some gold articles, hiding them under his tent. He
thought no one would ever need to know… but God knew and he was none too happy about it.
Not knowing about
Achan’s theivery, Joshua began planning his attack of the city of Ai. He sent
spies who reported that the city was small. The entire army would not even be
needed to take the city. This one should be easy.
A no-brainer. Joshua sent a small force to take the city, and they were
routed.
Joshua and the other elders
rent their garments before the Ark of the Covenant asking God why he allowed them across the Jordan just to be destroyed. God spoke
plainly to Joshua that he could not bless them in the face of their disobedience. He
told him that some devoted things were taken and that the responsible parties had to be sought out and face judgement.
The same holds true for us. God cannot and will not bless our endeavors in the midst of our own blatant disobedience. Even if we are working in God’s plan and in God’s time, God will stop
everything to deal with a small, seemingly insignificant thing. Because he sees
the beginning to the end, God understands that small things grow to be big things. Achan’s
sin was not the taking of some devoted things, but rather disregarding what God said.
God told them not to take the articles. If Achan couldn’t listen
to that one thing, what else would he disregard for something pretty and shiny? What
else might attract his attention next time? Who else would he so influence?
In the end Achan’s
sin is revealed and he is stoned and he and all his belongings are burned outside of the camp.
With the sin revealed and dealt with, God’s blessing returned to the people.
They again attacked the city of Ai with a dramatically
different result. This time the city was taken without problems.
A wise man once
said that God can’t take you past the place of your last act of disobedience.
You will circle around and around and still end up in that same place until you make the right choice, God’s
choice. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering around the desert as a result
of their last act of disobedience. They were ready to get on with the task at
hand. We, too, must get past the sin that so easily besets and get on with the
task at hand.
God can’t let you see
the big picture unless you’re committed to big obedience.
© Sandra Perry 6/21/2004
