Strength & CourageSample

Just One Misstep 

God single-handedly destroyed the walls of Jericho and He only required one thing as the Israelite army conquered the city: don’t keep the goods. All the treasures recovered in the city were supposed to be dedicated to God. Almost everyone kept God’s command. There was just one man who saw some things he couldn’t resist. And because of Achan’s lone decision, all of Israel would suffer.  

A few thousand men should have been plenty to conquer the region of Ai. But Achan’s sin had separated Israel from the protection of God, and the troops were defeated. Instead of looking inward, Joshua and Israel immediately blamed God. Why had He led them this far only to let them be destroyed?  

God’s response was swift and clear: Israel, through Achan, had chosen separation. God had not changed or abandoned His people. Achan chose his greed and took Israel into sin with him. The punishment might seem severe, but God had spent four decades training His people to trust Him enough to obey His commands, and every sin was a treacherous act of rebellion that could destroy everyone. The choice was simple: they could harbor sin or they could follow God.  

Live it Out 

1. Think of a time when your sin or someone else’s had far-reaching consequences. How was the cycle broken? 
2. Have you believed the lie that your sin doesn’t affect anyone else? This story illustrates the reality that no one’s sin is isolated. Ask God to show you areas where you might need to confess and repent immediately. 
3. This story reminds us that all sin leads to death, but because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can have eternal life. Consider the impacts of your sin and the great gift of life through Christ.