by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Joshua 7--9

They Became Like That Which They Took

Israel finally enters the land of Canaan centuries after God promised to give it to Abraham's descendants. The children of Israel have waited in Egypt for over four centuries until the time was right to enter the land. They traveled for forty years in the land between Egypt and the land of Canaan. Then it happens, they enter the Promised Land. Their first attack is a glorious success. They come to the second city, but the small army of Ai humiliates the army of Israel.

What is wrong? How is it that God delivered weaponless Israel out of Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, brought them into the land of Canaan, and leads them to victory at the first city, but now they suddenly suffer a humiliating defeat? Here is part of God's explanation,

12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you (Jos. 7:12).

What happened was this. When Israel attacked Jericho, everything in it was dedicated to the Lord. That means that the children of Israel were not allowed to take anything for themselves. God always gets the first fruits. However, a man by the name of Achan took some things. There was now sin in the camp, and rather than their enemies being accursed, Israel is accursed. Now, the explanation from God in verse 12 makes sense.

When we do not give God the first fruits, we cannot expect Him to bless us. If a congregation allows sin to go unchecked within it, that church cannot expect God to bless it.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100