Reading
SAA Notes
Achan has the place in the Old Testament that Ananias and Sapphira have in the New. Hypocrisy, selfish ambition, the love of adulation and praise are deadly cancers within the midst of God’s people. These two examples are ever before the Church to make us sober-minded and not take the Lord for granted.
SJA Notes
* Holy God, some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of You, the LORD our God.
“And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.”
Joshua’s newly minted leadership is on display here, after a complete and utter victory in the destruction of Jericho.
The spies sent to the city of Ai come back with an “easy win” report.
We have no record of Joshua seeking the Lord’s wisdom before ordering the attack.
And Israel are defeated in such a manner that their hearts melt and become as water.
Joshua calls on God and on His promises – But how does God respond?
“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?'”
God had clearly said that everything from Jericho must be devoted to destruction.
Joshua doesn’t seem to have taken the time to consider the cause of the defeat, until God tells him.
How often do we approach a situation by jumping to conclusions without examining and thinking through the different aspects?
This passage holds a good reminder for us to remember the Lord and His commands at all times – to be careful of the temptation to mope and fall into self-pity as we wrestle with asking God to fulfil His promises.
* Father God,
You are the holy God, set apart – there is none like You.
Please help us to treat You with all the importance and seriousness that Your deserve. Our everything, nothing held back, no trying to hide things from You.
Lord please teach us Your ways, write them on our hearts that we might not sin against You.
Amen.