The Impact of Personal Sin and the Restoration of Success
In Joshua chapter 7, we encounter a powerful narrative that sheds light on the interconnectedness between personal sin and corporate success. We will also explore the cautionary lesson of the detrimental effects associated with listening to the wrong voices. However, let us take heart and remember that success can be restored when we address our sins and seek the Lord’s forgiveness and guidance. Let us pray.
I. Sin Often Comes At Surprising Times (Joshua 7:1)
Joshua 7:1 (NASB20):
“But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully regarding the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, so the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel.”
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 provides a clear example of how sin can often manifest at surprising times. In this narrative, the Israelites had just experienced a great victory over the city of Jericho, where they witnessed the miraculous collapse of the city walls. However, soon after this triumph, the Israelites suffered a surprising defeat in their subsequent attack on the city of Ai.
Upon investigating the reason for their unexpected defeat, Joshua discovered that the sin of one individual, Achan, had caused this setback. Achan had coveted and taken some of the forbidden plunder from Jericho, despite being explicitly commanded not to. This act of disobedience had brought sin into the camp of the Israelites and resulted in their defeat.
Achan’s sin occurred at a surprising time because, after experiencing such a significant victory over Jericho, one would expect the Israelites to be filled with gratitude and adherence to God’s commands. However, sin can often manifest at unexpected moments, catching us off guard and disrupting our lives.
This story highlights the reality that sin is not limited to specific times or circumstances. It can arise when we least anticipate it, even when we may appear to be spiritually secure or victorious. Sin is an ever-present temptation that can attack even when things seem to be going well.
II. Personal Sin Impacts Corporate Success (Joshua 7:13)
Joshua 7:13 (NASB):
13 Go, consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the LORD, the God of Israel, has said: “There are things under the ban in your midst, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.”
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 precisely demonstrates how personal sin can dramatically impact corporate success. Unbeknownst to him, the consequences of his actions went far beyond his own life. In the next battle at Ai, Israel was humiliatingly defeated, and their confidence was shaken. This defeat exposed the hidden sin of Achan, revealing the underlying truth that the iniquities of one person in the community can tarnish the entire group.
As members of the body of Christ, we must understand that our personal choices and actions have consequences that extend beyond ourselves. Our sins can weaken and hinder the success of our churches, families, and communities. Let us examine our hearts and prayerfully seek forgiveness, safeguarding ourselves and those around us from spiritual decline.
III. Success Falters When Leaders Listen to Wrong People (Joshua 7:2-12)
Joshua 7:2-12 (NASB):
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.” 4 So about three thousand men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water. 6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. 7 Joshua said, “Alas, Lord God, why did You ever bring this people over the Jordan, only to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say since Israel has turned their back before their enemies? 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear about it, and they will surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. And what will You do for Your great name?” 10 So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own possessions. 12 Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand up before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become a curse, so I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from among you.”
In the aftermath of the defeat, the strong and brave leader Joshua was profoundly affected. He fell on his face before the Ark of the Lord, beseeching God for answers. The Lord responded by revealing the source of their misfortune: sin within the camp. However, it is significant to note that Joshua allowed himself to be influenced by the wrong voices. He failed to seek the Lord’s counsel first before strategizing.
Joshua listened to the grumbling of the Israelites and wrongly assumed that their lack of success was due to external factors, such as the strength of their enemies. He then planned another attack without realizing that sin was the root cause of their failure. How often do we fall into the same trap, trusting our own limited understanding or heeding the opinions of people who don’t prioritize godliness?
We must be cautious about who we allow to speak into our lives and who we choose to follow. True success can only be achieved when we seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord, turning a deaf ear to those who may lead us astray. Let us learn from Joshua’s mistake and become purposeful in placing God at the center of our decision-making processes.
IV. Success Is Restored When Sin Is Addressed (Joshua 7:14-26)
Joshua 7:14-26 (NASB20):
14 In the morning then, you shall come forward by your tribes. And it shall be that the tribe which the LORD selects by lot shall come forward by families, and the family which the LORD selects shall come forward by households, and the household which the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. 15 It shall be that the one who is selected with the things under the ban shall be burned with fire, he and all that belongs to him, because he has violated the covenant of the LORD, and because he has committed a disgraceful thing in Israel.’” 16 So Joshua arose early in the morning and brought Israel forward by tribes, and the tribe of Judah was selected. 17 And he brought forward the families of Judah; and he selected the family of the Zerahites. And he brought forward the family of the Zerahites, man by man; and Zabdi was selected. 18 He brought his household forward, man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” 20 So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoils a beautiful robe from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the ground inside my tent with the silver underneath it.” 22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, the robe was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it. 23 And they took them from inside the tent and brought them to Joshua and all the sons of Israel, and poured them out before the LORD. 24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that belonged to him; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you caused us trouble? The LORD will trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned them with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 Then they piled up over him a great heap of stones that is there to this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.
Thankfully, our God is a God of restoration and redemption. After uncovering the sin through the lot-casting process, Joshua confronted Achan, who finally confessed his guilt. The Israelites, in obedience to the Lord’s command, brought Achan, his family, and the stolen items to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned and burned.
This is a valuable observation to make in the context of discussing the sin of Achan. Under the old covenant, which was established with the Israelites, the penalty for sin was often severe and could result in physical death or other forms of punishment. In the case of Achan, not only did he face the consequences of his sin, but his family also suffered the same penalty.
However, with the advent of the new covenant through Jesus Christ, there is a shift in how sin and its penalty are dealt with. The new covenant emphasizes God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, an opportunity for redemption and salvation is made available to all who believe in Him.
Under the new covenant, the emphasis is on repentance and turning away from sin, rather than being subject to the strict penalties of the old covenant. In His grace, God offers forgiveness and reconciliation to those who seek Him, regardless of the severity or timing of their sins.
“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24 (NASB20)
Upon addressing the sin, the Lord’s anger turned away, and the Lord restored His favor and success to Israel. In Joshua 8, we witness their triumphant victory over Ai. This accounts for a powerful reminder that success can be regained when we humbly acknowledge our sins, repent, and seek forgiveness from God.
There is great hope for us when we address our personal sins and pursue reconciliation with God. We serve a loving and merciful God who longs to restore us to a position of success and prosperity in His Kingdom. Let us not delay or shy away from addressing our sins individually and collectively, as doing so can lead to the renewal and revival of God’s work through us.
As we conclude, let us remember that personal sin impacts our collective success, marring our testimonies and hindering the spread of God’s Kingdom. By focusing on the lessons from Joshua 7, we recognize the importance of seeking God’s wisdom above all, guarding against the influence of wrong voices, and passionately addressing sin in our lives.
May the Holy Spirit empower and guide each one of us as we strive for personal holiness and united success in the body of Christ. Let us be vessels that God can use to bring restoration, renewal, and revival in our churches and communities. May there be no hidden sin amongst us, but a desire for full surrender and transformation. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we ask for these blessings. Amen.