Church of the Nazarene, Harrisonburg Campus

Review of the series:
WEEK 1: Be Strong & Courageous
WEEK 2: Rahab Hides the Men of Israel
WEEK 3: The 12 Stones - Remembering God's Faithfulness
WEEK 4: God's Victory at Jericho
TODAY: Consequences of Sin

Breakdown of the Book of Joshua

CHAPTERS 1-6: Entering the Promised Land
CHAPTERS 7-12: Conquering the Promised Land
CHAPTERS 13-22: Settling the Promised Land

Consider: What was the next thing that happened after the tremendous victory at Jericho?

Two "Why" Questions:
1) Why did the Israelites crush Jericho but lose to a lesser opponent in Ai?
After all, they had just celebrated a dramatic victory over mighty Jericho. Ai was the underdog. Yet they scattered God's people.

Second "Why" Question:
2) Why was the response to Achan's sin so extreme? The death penalty for theft? That doesn't seem "fair."

Without understanding God's Holy Justice, we can never truly grasp, appreciate or enter into His Grace.

Today, we get to hear about Israel's loss and Achan's death from the shadow of the cross, where the Holy and terrible Justice of God was fulfilled on your behalf. In fact, it is a great gift to be shown the deadly underside of disobedience while there is still time. To get a clear picture of the darkness of sin is something to be grateful for. To get a clear picture of Holy God and an opportunity for repentance in His mercy, in the Name and for the cause of Christ.