One Bad Apple

God Instructs the People of God

God's People Learn from Prosperity:

God Reacts to Disobedience

Joshua 7:1-9

The Message

 ¹ Then the People of Israel violated the holy curse. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah of the tribe of Judah, took some of the cursed things. God became angry with the People of Israel.
² Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai (The Ruin), which is near Beth Aven just east of Bethel. He instructed them, "Go up and spy out the land." The men went up and spied out Ai. ³ They returned to Joshua and reported, "Don't bother sending a lot of people—two or three thousand men are enough to defeat Ai. Don't wear out the whole army; there aren't that many people there."
 ^4-5 So three thousand men went up—and then fled in defeat before the men of Ai! The men of Ai killed thirty-six—chased them from the city gate as far as The Quarries, killing them at the descent. The heart of the people sank, all spirit knocked out of them.
 ⁶ Joshua ripped his clothes and fell on his face to the ground before the Chest of God, he and the leaders throwing dirt on their heads, prostrate until evening.
 ^7-9 Joshua said, "Oh, oh, oh...Master, God. Why did you insist on bringing this people across the Jordan? To make us victims of the Amorites? To wipe us out? Why didn't we just settle down on the east side of the Jordan? Oh, Master, what can I say after this, after Israel has been run off by its enemies? When the Canaanites and all the others living here get wind of this, they'll gang up on us and make short work of us—and then how will you keep up your reputation?"

For Reflection
What is the value of one man's sin? Achan's sin individual disobedient act aroused God's anger.  It would not have mattered a whit if the whole army joined in this battle the loss would have resulted.  Achan's looting was in direct disobedience to God's instruction.  In reaction to the disobedient Achan, God withdrew his support.

For many modern Christians the result of disobedience is at least distasteful and difficult to accept.  In this case many were punished for the act of one.  Clearly Achan broke the covenant.  Why do you think Joshua had such a severe reaction to the news?  

Pray
that you will follow the Lord obediently.  Pray that you will be able to avoid disobedient action in the face of stress.  Pray for strength and guidance in the face of temptation.