Consequences of hidden wrong-doings {sins} from Joshua Chapter 7 verse 20 to 21.
V 20 "Achan replied to Joshua, "it is true. I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did."
V21″ when I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Babylon, 200 silver shekels, a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, I coveted them and took them. you can see for yourself, they are concealed in the ground inside my tent, with the money under the cloak."
Achan had the sin of covetousness, which lead him to another sin of stealing.
Covet means: to want something enviously or eagerly, especially something belonging to someone else.
The book of Joshua is in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is covered by The ten Commandments.
The tenth commandment; You shall not covet your neighbors house, your neighbors wife or processions.
The eight commandment ; you shall not steal.
Joshua had just conquered Jericho {remember the walls that came tumbling down} which was a complete victory with The Lord help. Joshua now set his sights on Ai, however Joshua and his army were ambushed by the people of Ai.
Joshua turned and listen to the Lord to find out why things went so wrong. Joshua listens and hears that the anger of the Lord was against them, because after the battle of Jericho, someone had stolen forbidden plunder from the city. {Joshua 7 verse 10 to 12]
An inquiry revealed Achan was to blame. Achan admits his guilt and suffers the punishment for his guilt.
This story is clear in it's purpose to explain one person's offense has wider consequences. Greed is not just private and personal, it always effects community. a story like this should make us more alert of our responsibilities to our communities we belong to and effect.
We can all bring about change if we listen to Our Lord and Our Friend. Things can hold us back, but remember 1 John 1 verse 9:
"If we confess our sins. He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Again remember once we have accepted Christ Jesus, we have a clean slate, but we are still sinners {only now sinners saved by grace}.
Keep short accounts with Our Lord and Our Friend, so our work for Him will not be hindered.
God Bless
O F J
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