Cleansing God's Camp
Scripture: Joshua 7:1–26
A Shattering Defeat
Fresh off their stunning victory at Jericho, Israel was ready to move forward with their conquest of Canaan. But Israel’s army suffered an unexpected and devastating defeat at the small town of Ai. What happened to God’s promise to fight Israel’s battles? Did God break His promise? Has God failed His people?
A Shocking Discovery
The unexpected defeat at the battle of Ai reminds us that we are not to take God’s grace for granted. We can’t profess to be aligned with God’s promises while living like His enemies. Israel’s defeat was because of the unfaithfulness of one of its warriors. Achan took what was devoted to God. He hid his sin underneath his tent. The sin of one man put the whole nation at risk.
A Severe Decision
It wasn’t until God’s people united together to repudiate Achan’s sin that God’s judgment could be avoided. Jesus challenges all of His people to make a similar choice. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus called on His people to be willing to take extreme measures in ridding ourselves of sinful influences that destroy our lives. And God’s churches, like Israel of old, are called to confront sinful influences remove them from the camp.
Moving Forward
Scripture is clear that we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory. Our tendency is to want to run away from God and hide our sin and shame. But Christ calls to run to Him, not away from Him. 1 John 1:8-9 says “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s trust in Christ, examine our hearts, confess our sins, and cleanse God’s camp!
A Shattering Defeat
Fresh off their stunning victory at Jericho, Israel was ready to move forward with their conquest of Canaan. But Israel’s army suffered an unexpected and devastating defeat at the small town of Ai. What happened to God’s promise to fight Israel’s battles? Did God break His promise? Has God failed His people?
A Shocking Discovery
The unexpected defeat at the battle of Ai reminds us that we are not to take God’s grace for granted. We can’t profess to be aligned with God’s promises while living like His enemies. Israel’s defeat was because of the unfaithfulness of one of its warriors. Achan took what was devoted to God. He hid his sin underneath his tent. The sin of one man put the whole nation at risk.
A Severe Decision
It wasn’t until God’s people united together to repudiate Achan’s sin that God’s judgment could be avoided. Jesus challenges all of His people to make a similar choice. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus called on His people to be willing to take extreme measures in ridding ourselves of sinful influences that destroy our lives. And God’s churches, like Israel of old, are called to confront sinful influences remove them from the camp.
Moving Forward
Scripture is clear that we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory. Our tendency is to want to run away from God and hide our sin and shame. But Christ calls to run to Him, not away from Him. 1 John 1:8-9 says “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s trust in Christ, examine our hearts, confess our sins, and cleanse God’s camp!