Boldness for God Has Its Rewards
The Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?... Get up, sanctify the people, and say, “Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you. “” Joshua 7:10, 13
The children of Israel were moving into the Promised Land. They had witnessed an amazing victory over the city of Jericho, and were continuing toward their next victory. To their surprise, they met defeat as they attempted to capture the town of Ai. When they asked for God’s explanation for their defeat, He responded by revealing that someone in their camp had disobeyed His command not to keep any possession from Jericho. The disobedience of one man and his family had paralyzed an entire nation! Achan thought he could conceal his sin and it would not affect anyone else. One act of disobedience cost Achan and his family their lives. His sin had serious repercussions for others, denying them the blessings, power, and victory of God. Our sin makes an impact on others.
However, as we look at Joshua, we realize that obedience to God can also have effects far beyond our own individual lives. Joshua’s willingness to respond to God and walk in obedience changed the outcome for an entire nation. David wrote in Psalm 37:25, 26, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lens; and his descendants are blessed.”
Always remember, disobedience leads to defeat. Obedience leads to victory. Diligently seek to obey every word from God! Scripture promises that if you will obey the Lord, He will not only bless your life but also your life as a channel of blessings to others.
Father, examine my heart and reveal to me any area of disobedience. Make Your way clear to me so I can walk according to Your will. Allow my life to be a channel of blessings to others so the world can see what a great and awesome God You are. Amen.
Chris Dixon, Dublin, GA