Day 12

Joshua 5-7

SIN IN THE CAMP

But the children of Israel committed a trespass – Josh. 7:1

            But – What an insignificant word.  Wrong!  This wee little word is pregnant with meaning.  It contrasts what is being said with what has been said.  It cancels the previous thought.  The Lord was with Joshua…but... 

            After a dramatic victory at Jericho the Israelites were on a roll.  Their biggest and most critical battle had been won.  A wedge had been driven between northern and southern Canaan.  Divide and conquer!  But – Israel was about to experience a devastating defeat at the hands of Ai, a miniature power.  The enemy was so small that Joshua sent out a small band to take care of small business.  Israel suffered a humiliating defeat which caused Israel to panic and Joshua to pray.  “Israel has sinned,” was God’s reply.

            As the story unfolds, the sin of one man caused the collapse of the whole army.  Achan had violated the “ban;”  God withdrew His power.  A curse had been pronounced on Israel if anyone kept spoils for himself.  All plunder was consecrated to the Lord.  Achan captured the booty – Israel committed a trespass.  

            God is holy – The Father is holy; the Son is holy; the Spirit is holy.  When his people are not holy God’s power is hindered and sometimes withdrawn.  Power flows through holiness.  One person can keep the power of God from working through His people.  “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”  One case of continued immorality shorted the power in Corinth.  One couple lying to God threatened the purity in Acts 5.  When willful sin continues unchecked, God’s power is at least diminished and at most removed.  God holds His people to a higher standard than the world.  “Judgment must begin at the house of God.”

            When God’s people gather, holiness convenes.  The purer the hearts, the more powerful the Presence.  God’s Spirit produces holiness.  Holiness produces love.  Love’s fruit is power.  A bowl of good fruit spoils when lying next to rotten fruit.  One egregious solitary trespass can destroy victory and delay blessings on any work of God.  Let it not be said of us, The Lord was with (them)…BUT…

Don’t let the spoils spoil the victory.