Read Joshua 7:1-5 NIV
1 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.
If this story had a soundtrack, the music would have just turned ominous and suspenseful. Scripture reveals to the reader that Achan has disobeyed God and that it has not gone unnoticed. In fact, God’s anger is so great that it burns against all of Israel. Yet Joshua and the rest of the community are still unaware.
God had told Joshua that He would be with them and that He would give them any place they set their feet, so they acted on that promise and advanced on Ai. But Israel is quickly defeated, even though it appeared that the victory should come easily. In the wake of the defeat, Israel is shaken, and fear grips them.
Achan probably never thought that his act of disobedience would have such a widespread effect on the entire community. Not only did they lose the battle at Ai, but perhaps an even worse consequence was the fear that God would not be with them in this new land.
Most of us can safely say that our sins never caused the military defeat of an entire nation. However, I think you would agree with me that our sins can have a lasting and profound impact not only on us, but also on the people around us.
Achan lived within the community of Israel, much like believers today make up the body of Christ. We live within the community of the body. So our actions have consequences that reach beyond us to our entire community. Our God is holy, and he wants his people to be holy. Thankfully, He is also a God who forgives and restores when we come to Him with repentant hearts. Spend some time today praying for your community of believers and how God would have you respond with humility as a part of that body. Offer repentance for any sins that may impact others and seek His forgiveness and restoration.
