Bible Chapter: Joshua 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    People still do what Achan did, disobey and think God isn’t going to know.  They were specifically warned to leave everything in Jericho, to take no spoils.  He was caught with greed and envy and took some clothes and precious metals.  This brought a curse on the whole nation.  His sin was exposed to the nation and he was punished for his sin.  God’s desire was for them to be a holy and obedient people.  By judging Achan, the people knew God was serious about His expectation of obedience.   God does not tolerate sin.
    After the exposure of sin in the camp, God directed them to go out and conquer Ai.  This time they were successful.  And, this time they were instructed to take spoils of war.  Jericho was the first, but the other cities were not devoted to God.  They conquered the city and destroyed it, just as they were commanded.  God was judging the inhabitants of the land for their sinful lives and worship of false gods.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Joshua built an altar and worshiped God.  He wrote down the commands of the Law of God and read it to all the people.  We all need constant reminders of what God has said.  We need to hear so we know what God expects.  Then we must obey.  The nation needed a reminder at that time to help keep their focus on God’s commands.  Everyone in the nation, the men, women and children, all heard the reading.  They all knew what God expected.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People must understand that God really does see everything.  There are countless examples in life of people who think they can hide sinful things and get away with them.  God sees.  The time will come when people will be held accountable for their sins.  I want to help people see and know this, and repent before it is too late.