What lessons about obedience can we learn from Achan's actions in Joshua 22:20? Verse snapshot “Did not Achan son of Zerah act unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction, and wrath fell upon the whole congregation of Israel? He was not the only one who perished because of his sin!” (Joshua 22:20) Background recap • After Jericho’s fall, God ordered that its spoils be destroyed or placed in His treasury (Joshua 6:17–19). • Achan secretly kept a beautiful robe, silver, and gold (Joshua 7:1, 21). • Israel’s next battle at Ai ended in defeat until Achan’s sin was exposed and judged (Joshua 7:5, 24–26). Key lessons about obedience • Obedience means complete surrender, not selective compliance (John 14:15). • Hidden disobedience is still open before God (Hebrews 4:13). • One person’s defiance can hinder the whole community (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Delayed obedience is costly—Israel lost soldiers, momentum, and morale (Joshua 7:5). • God’s commands are protective, not restrictive (Deuteronomy 6:24). The cost of disobedience • Personal loss—Achan forfeited his life and possessions (Joshua 7:24–25). • Family impact—his household shared the judgment, showing sin’s reach (Joshua 7:24). • National setback—thirty-six soldiers fell at Ai (Joshua 7:5). • Spiritual distance—God withdrew His favor until sin was dealt with (Joshua 7:12). Communal repercussions • “Wrath fell upon the whole congregation” (Joshua 22:20) underscores corporate accountability. • Israel learned that tolerating sin invites divine discipline (Numbers 16:46). • The body of Christ is similarly affected when sin is ignored (Acts 5:1–11). Holiness demands total obedience • God required every devoted thing destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:25–26). • Partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23). • The standard is unwavering: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Grace and restoration • Once sin was confessed and judged, God renewed victory at Ai (Joshua 8:1). • Confession brings cleansing: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • Obedience restores fellowship and forward movement (Psalm 32:1–2, 8). Takeaways for today • Guard the little choices; hidden compromise breeds larger defeat. • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly. • Respect the ripple effect: our obedience or disobedience blesses or burdens others. • Trust God’s wisdom; His commands steer us toward life, not loss. • Walk in wholehearted obedience, knowing Christ empowers us to live faithfully (Philippians 2:13). |
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