You may recall the story of Joshua in the book that bears his name, the battle for Jericho…
…and Achan.
God had banned the Israelites from personally taking anything from the battle site. He ordered the leaders to burn with fire any transgressors, calling it a “dis‘grace’ful thing (7:15).” They were to make a clean break from any tinge of the unholy pagan influence.
Well, Achan, undoubtedly along with some of his family in cahoots, hid the spoils under his tent, only to be found out by Joshua. This leader then proclaims:
Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned them (all Achan’s people and their animals) with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.” (7:25)
Not the God of our morning devotions, wouldn’t you say? Or the God of the front book rack of our local Christian book stores. Or the God of the Christian TV.
The Lord is ‘dead’ serious about separation of our lifestyle from the pagans in order to show them holy living like Jesus. His patience with us is not always His approval.
Jesus, we ask for grace to see You as You truly are in all Your glory. Your total and true identity. Both as a mother tenderly nurses her child, and as the God who killed Ananias and his wife Sapphira in front of everybody for lying. As well as Achan’s whole family. We glibly quote the passage that You’re the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help us to believe it…and live like it’s the truth.
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,
Marc
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Saints, we’re one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly!
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Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Marc White, Director, Walk Worthy Ministries, www.WalkWorthy.org
Don Waltmire says
Holy Spirit, I plead with you to convict us and our brothers/sisters/family members in Christ of any pagan attachments in our lives, to repent of them, and give our full devotion and worship of YHWH. For you alone are worthy to be praised! Amen.
jesusislord says
Brother Don,
Amen…
Andy Metz says
God means what He says. To love God is to FEAR Him and OBEY Him. “Blessed are all those who KEEP His commandments, that they may have right to the TREE OF LIFE, and that they may enter in thru the Gates into the City.”(New Jerusalem) Revelation 22:14
jesusislord says
Amen, brother Andy. Amen…