Oh, what trouble we bring upon ourselves when we don't obey God's warnings! Joshua and his crew were told by the Lord not to take anything that was accursed from the town they were about to level. They were also instructed that the gold, silver, brass and iron belong to God; they are consecrated as treasury unto the Lord (Josh 6:18-19). The Lord told them that they would make themselves accursed if they took the accursed thing and the camp of Israel a curse and trouble it.
The word accursed means a thing not devoted to God and intended for destruction, such as an idol, because it is evil in the sight of the Lord.
Yet, Achan disobeyed God's clear command and it impacted not only him, but his family and the nation of Israel. You see, your sin affects other people; it is not isolated even if no one knows what you've done in secret, because God knows. Psalm 44:20-21 says this:
"If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."
When you put your focus, desires and attention on other things instead of God, you've just made a god for your own personal worship. Achan did just that. And for what? Precious metals that belonged to God and a Babylonian rag. How tragic.
You don't have to end up like Achan, who was judged by God. If you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins; that He is the Son of God; that He rose from the dead on the third day; and call Him Lord and Savior, you shall be saved (Rom. 10:9-13). However, if you reject Jesus Christ then you are already condemned; you lack of belief condemns you (John 3:16-18). And, those not found written in the book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire.
Consider the hymn, What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Friend, you don't have to end up condemned to the everlasting fire. Ask Jesus into your life today. Don't wait. Tomorrow might be too late.
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