Why is giving "glory to the LORD" crucial when admitting our wrongdoings? Setting the Stage • Joshua 7 describes Israel’s defeat at Ai because Achan secretly kept items God had devoted to destruction. • When the sin is finally traced to him, Joshua says, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give Him the praise. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” (Joshua 7:19) • Notice the order: “give glory… give Him the praise” comes before “tell me what you have done.” The Instruction to “Give Glory” • “Give glory” is not a polite formality; it is a command to acknowledge God’s absolute holiness and right to judge (Isaiah 42:8). • Confession, then, is the natural overflow of seeing God as He is—pure, righteous, and worthy of honor. Why Glory First, Confession Second? 1. Confession is worship • Admitting wrong isn’t merely coming clean; it is declaring God’s verdict as true. • Psalm 51:4: “Against You, You only, have I sinned… so that You may be justified when You speak.” 2. God’s reputation matters more than ours • Hidden sin drags God’s name through the mud (2 Samuel 12:14). • Open confession restores public recognition of His justice. 3. It humbles the sinner • Glorifying God redirects attention from self-preservation to God-exaltation (James 4:10). 4. It prepares the heart for mercy • 1 John 1:9 links confession with forgiveness; mercy flows when God is honored as the truthful Judge. 5. It warns the community • Israel learns that holiness is non-negotiable; God receives glory even in judgment (Leviticus 10:3). Practical Implications for Us Today • Start confession by rehearsing God’s character—His holiness, justice, and mercy. • Call sin what God calls it; vagueness steals His glory. • Make restitution where possible (Luke 19:8) to display God’s righteousness. • Share testimonies of repentance; they spotlight God’s grace, not personal heroics (Psalm 32:5). • Live transparently; ongoing honesty keeps the focus on God’s sustaining faithfulness (Proverbs 28:13). Key Takeaways • Giving glory to the LORD is the foundation of genuine confession. • When God is exalted, sin is exposed, mercy is received, and the community learns to fear and honor Him. • Every admission of wrongdoing becomes an opportunity to showcase the greatness of the God who judges sin and graciously forgives the repentant. |
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