Achan

Some directions are known, assumed, or provided for us by another source or individual in every aspect of life. At some point, we all decide not to follow directions, and when doing so, we realize that there are consequences. An easy example of this is not following the directions to satisfy the craving for a bag of good buttery microwave popcorn. What happens when we choose not to follow the directions and allow the popping to exceed the recommended amount of time? There is that very distinct smell that everyone immediately recognizes, and as a result, everyone knows that someone did not follow the instructions.

In Joshua 7, we encounter a minor character in God's account of Joshua that chooses not to follow the directions. The Bible is full of minor characters who played major roles in the more significant events of God's story. On Sunday, we'll take a brief look at the story of Achan -- a man whose poor decision cost his own life and nearly prevented the Israelites from taking possession of their Promised Land. The sin of one could have been very costly for everyone.

Achan was a participant (solider) in reclaiming the promised land (Deut. 30:20). God had cared for him and his family in the wilderness. He had brought them safely across the Jordan and given the army victory at Jericho. The Lord had accepted this one, Achan, as a son of the covenant at Gilgal. Yet despite all these beautiful experiences, Achan disobeyed God to possess some wealth that he couldn't even enjoy. Had he waited just a day or two, he could have gathered all the spoils he wanted from the victory at Ai!. But of course, he did not. Achan thought that something better could be done for himself and his family if he followed his temptations rather than the directions.

Friends, the single individual actions of one in verse one ended up hurting the entire army (nation). How many times have you witnessed the energy and momentum of a fellowship flounder when one steps out of rank? Friends, it's important to remember that The Israelites won the victory over Jericho! But, unfortunately, one man among them disobeyed the command of the Lord, putting the whole nation in jeopardy and causing the Lord's favor to leave them.

Even though the Lord is making us more like Him, we still sin. Even though He is gracious to forgive, there are inevitable consequences, sometimes big and sometimes small. Today we will be discussing Israel's disobedience and the cost of their actions. A lot from this incident can apply to our lives today.

After Achan's disobedience, the attack against Ai was a disaster. The Israelites were a more significant force, yet they were routed and forced to flee. Returning to the camp, Joshua went to God for answers. As he prayed, God revealed that the Israelites had lost because one of the soldiers, Achan, had stolen some of the devoted items from the victory at Jericho. Worse, God told Joshua that He would not provide victory again until the problem was resolved (7:12). When Joshua singled out Achan as the offender, the people watching must have asked themselves, "What evil thing did he do that the Lord was so displeased with us?" Perhaps the relatives of the thirty-six slain soldiers (7:5) were angry as they looked at the man whose disobedience caused the death of their loved ones.

What was found, and what was done? In short, Achan was found to have sinned. That sin brought loss and death upon Achan, his family, and possessions. When you walk by faith, you will claim all God has for you; but unbelief is always content to settle for something less than God's best. In this account the something less had a significant result.

Achan's story isn't a pleasant one, and it can feel distasteful in today's culture. However, there are many instances in Scripture where God demonstrates grace to those who disobey Him. Unfortunately, grace was not the result of this account. Instead, the conclusion of this chapter was reached based on the Lord's earlier promise.

It is very tough to understand why The Lord sometimes acts in grace and in other times acts in wrath. Yet, upon reading this account, we are reminded that The Lord is always in control. He is in power in both giving the directions and imposing the consequences for not following directions. Even more, we can be thankful that -- although we still experience earthly consequences because of our sin -- we can know without a doubt that God will keep His promise of eternal life for those who have received His salvation.

As you prepare to gather with your church family this weekend, take the time to pray. Thank God that He has shown His people grace because of Jesus. Confess to the Lord where you have withheld sin in your life and been slow to admit your sin before Him and others. Ask the Holy Spirit for the boldness to act toward reconciliation in the areas you have been convicted of during this time.