email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

April 9, 2018

Joshua 7:1

But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.

New International Version (NIV)

                  “How much is my sin costing you?” I once heard a pastor preach about Achan’s sin in this way. At one level, each of us is responsible for our own sins before the Lord. On the other hand, we stand or fall as a community of faith.

                Joshua was clear that no one was to take any spoils from Jericho. Achan, however, did not believe the law applied to him. He broke the tenth commandment by coveting beautiful things which did not belong to him. Then he stole them and hid them. How much could it cost? Thirty-six lives of his countrymen who were killed in the next battle by the diminutive city of Ai. After defeating Jericho, the army of Israel ran into a buzzsaw in the army of Ai. But why?

                Sometimes we are most vulnerable after our greatest victories. In the New Testament as well, Paul makes it clear that the community of believers forgive each other for sins, but require confession and repentance. When the believers in Corinth ignored a moral outrage in their midst, Paul said, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” In this case, though, instead of requiring the death of the perpetrator, Paul suggested church discipline with the purpose of redemption. Put him out of the church until he chooses to repent.

                We must never confuse license with compassion. Allowing someone to say their sin is not wrong not only hurts them but all of us who choose to ignore it. Let’s make a covenant: we will not say that sin is not sin. We will lovingly redeem the people of God as we live lives of authentic confession and repentance.

Pray with me:

Father, help us to speak the truth to each other in love. We know that we all sin in many ways every day. Help us not to excuse our own sin or the sins of others in putative compassion. Holy God, consecrate your people to yourself that we may live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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