DON'T BE THE BETRAYER

Joshua 7:1,25

But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.

Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies.

Joshua had just started his tenure, it began with the miracle of the Jordan river, which dried for the people to cross through. Then came the big victory over the great city Jericho.

Then came a very small city Ai, and the Israelites were defeated. O what a disheartening situation, what a blow!

Joshua 7:6-9

Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord until evening.

Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side!

Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies?

For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?”

When things go wrong, when there are delays or disappointments, the reason vary.

* Is the Lord saving me from something?

* Have I followed my part accordingly?

* Is there a power opposing me?

* Have I opposed myself by sinning?

*Do I need to make amends or even restitute?

Etc.

God answered Joshua:

Joshua 7:10-13

But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this?

Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings.

That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

“Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

We begin to understand what the book of Proverbs records:

Proverbs 14:34

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

It was one man who sinned but he was among the people, therefore it was counted for the whole nation.

Achan had to be destroyed, he and all that he owned.

Joshua 7:25-26

Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies.

They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry.

I detest killing of people, however, when a judge gives a sentence, that is it. The highest judge ever, is the Lord God and He is the Perfect and Righteous judge.

Before we begin to advocate for Achan let us not forget that because of his actions 36 innocent men died!!!

Joshua 7:5

chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.

The lesson is -

Don't be an Achan!

Don't be the reason why your family, church, work, community or whatever group you are part of become a mockery.

Many sects and groups or even countries have been labeled with a bad name because of the foolish actions of a few.

Don't be the betrayer.

You call yourself a Christian but your lifestyle, actions or maybe even words are a disgrace to the faith. You are no better than Achan, you deserve the same fate.

We must be what Christ asked us to be - true disciples and not betrayers of the faith.

How many have made people speak evil of the faith? How many have caused people to say that they never want salvation if this person or that person's life is an example of what it is to be a believer.

What a curse!

We must represent properly from our homes, immediate community into the world in general.

The believers lifestyle is full time. Selah.

2 Corinthians 5:15,17,20

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

What is in the world that is so attracting that will cause you to bring shame to the body of Christ? Listen, it is not worth it. Achan didn't get to enjoy the things he stole, he was destroyed instead.

Don't listen to those phantom spirits who only suggests evil and sin to you. Resist and stand firm in Christ Jesus.

Wake up! Save yourself.

Help us Good Lord.

PRAYER

Dear Loving Father keep me in complete obedience to You. May I never be a betrayer to your people or those I am part of, instead may I be the reason You bless all that associates with me. I chose Your righteousness O Lord. Help me to be completely faithful to You in all things. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore. 

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher.