Today’s passage: Joshua 7:1-26
Helpful thoughts:
- Achan sinned, Israel suffered.
- 36 men died.
- The fear of the people after the Jordan River crossing and after Jericho was abated. Instead, now the hearts of the people of Israel were melting.
- As good as Joshua’s concern for the Lord’s reputation might have been, he was rebuked by God for his emotional despair.
- Confession glorifies the Lord. It does not remove earthly legal consequences.
- Achan serves as a contrast (Foil) to Rahab.
- The Gentile Rahab had taken part in the obedience of Israel and her household was saved.
- The Jew Achan had taken part in the sin of the Canaanites and his household was destroyed.
Questions to consider:
- Is it ever true that my sin only affects me? Why is this a faulty and harmful way to think?
- How could God’s rebuke of Joshua encourage us when things aren’t going the way we want? Does God ever abandon us? Will He ever act in ways that go against His character and promises?
- How could this passage be a help to us in thinking through repentance, forgiveness, and consequences? Is there a difference between eternal consequences and earthly legal consequences (Did Jesus die so that no one would have to pay a parking ticket or go to jail)? Can you personally forgive someone and also turn them in to the authorities? If a person believes their earthly judge must eliminate their earthly penalty, what might they be confused about concerning the cross, salvation and human government?