Achan’s Sin

October 5, 2022

Read and reflect on Joshua chapter seven.

Joshua 7-Achan’s sin

We learned in Joshua chapter 6 that the Israelites defeated Jericho. The people devoted the victory to God and devoted the spoils of gold, silver, and bronze to God (Joshua 6:24). One young man named Achan, a relative of Joshua from his family tribe of Judah, kept back some of the devoted items for himself. That would be the sins of stealing and covetousness. This sin caused the entire people group to suffer a loss in a battle against a small town of AI. The battle loss was an embarrassment and Joshua went to God to inquire about it. The Lord told Joshua about the sin and directed Joshua to clear the sin out of the camp by interviewing and demanding a confession from the culprit. Achan did confess and the resulting consequence was a stoning and burning of him, his family, and the items he stole. The harshness of sin hasn’t changed. You might not be stoned and burned as in days of old, but the consequences might follow you for a lifetime. Thank God today we can see the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, as the apostle John reminds us “If you confess your sins Jesus is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9 (NIV). The peace we receive from God for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus is mighty and helps us walk through the suffering of any remaining consequences. What sin might you need to confess to Jesus today? He is ready and willing to offer forgiveness. He can give you all the strength you need to continue in forgiveness and navigate the past consequences that sometimes seem to loom up and overwhelm. Don’t let sin weigh you down today. Confession is good for your soul. Give everything to Jesus, including your sin.

What do you need to confess to Jesus today?

Blessings,

Ellen