READING: Joshua 7-10
“And all Israel stoned him with stones.”
Joshua 7:25
In one of the more dramatic pictures of scripture, God’s people stoned Achan and his family, burned their bodies, and piled a heap of rocks over them. It seems such a drastic judgment for simply taking some stuff—albeit what appears to have been some significant stuff—from Jericho. But, God was making it clear when His people first entered the Promised Land that He would not tolerate sin in the camp. The pile of rocks would be a continual reminder that disobedience comes at a great cost: “And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day” (Josh. 7:26).
Moreover, I’m struck by the reality that Achan’s sin affected far more than himself. In the battle for Ai, the Israelite army “fled before the men of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men” (Josh. 7:4-5). Later, Achan’s sons and daughters apparently suffered the same penalty for Achan’s sin; it’s possible, in fact, that they had some role in hiding the spoils in Achan’s tent in the first place. Thus, we are reminded from Achan’s poor example that we do not sin in isolation. Somehow, our sin affects not only us, but also those around us.
I need to remember this truth when I face temptation the next time. The penalty for my sin might not be stoning and burning, but my wrong still affects others. My prayers are hindered when there’s sin in my life. My disobedience brings guilt, which surely affects my marriage if I don’t seek God’s forgiveness. As an unclean vessel, I get in the way of God’s blessing my home and my ministry. Surely the fun of sin is not worth that cost.
ACTION STEPS:
- Recognize just how much our holiness matters to God.
- Consider the consequences of your sin on others when you face temptation today.
PRAYER: “God, I never want to choose the world’s riches over obedience to You. Help me today.”
