Then Joshua...took Achan...his sons and daughters...and all that he had...Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
(Not familiar with Achan's story? Please read the entire chapter. And while you're at it, go back and read Joshua 6:15-19, too.)
We really don't like the word sin, do we? We struggle with pride, mess up and tell a lie or two, have a bout of out of control temper, slip and say a bad word, fail at our marriage vows, neglect to show kindness or forgiveness, and overall have occasional lapses in judgment. But sin? That's such a harsh word. And it comes across as so judgmental.
Here's one of the things I learn from Achan's story - whatever we want to call it, sin is a big deal to God. So Achan took some things that he shouldn't have - did he deserve to be stoned? Well, God said, "Don't...". Achan did anyways. That's sin. Never forget that God takes sin very seriously. Never think it doesn't really matter. It does. After all, our sin cost God's Son His life.
Another thing Achan's story shows us is that we are not the only ones who bear the consequences of our sin. Achan's entire family suffered and was destroyed because of it. The ramifications of sin spread far beyond the offender, and it is often those closest to us who suffer the most.
If you are dealing with sin, bring it to the light. Confess it - first to God and then to your spouse and family. Don't destroy those you love.
The beautiful thing is that, while God is certainly a just God, He is also gracious and merciful. I John 1:9 says that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What a wonderful promise! Read Joshua 7:26. Now read Hosea 2:15. God doesn't want us to be destroyed. He wants to give us hope.
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