BE LOVINGLY OBEDIENT, NOT REBELLIOUS

BE LOVINGLY OBEDIENT, NOT REBELLIOUS

Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? —Joshua 22:20

“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” —Joshua 7:20-21

…choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” —Joshua 24:15-16

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. —Psalm 69:30-31

            The negative impact one person can have on the whole group is immense as we see in the case of Achan.  Because of his disobedience the whole congregation of Israel was impacted.  Achan had unconfessed sin in his life.  He was hiding his sin.  He did what he was told specifically what not to do.  People died because of it.  He coveted after a beautiful cloak, silver and gold.  Then he took them.  Because of his sin 36 men died in the battle of Ai.

            Let us remember, our sin does not just impact ourselves, but it also impacts others.  Just look at the brokenness of our world!  May our heart be like that of Joshua’s.  His desire for himself and his household was to “serve the LORD.”  Is that our desire as well?  Are we passionately loving our Lord and people (Matthew 22:37-40)?  Are we willing to serve Him according to His will and not according to our own?  May it be so!

            But our service to Him begins with our growing relationship with Him.  Do we praise Him “with a song?  Do we “magnify Him with thanksgiving?”  “This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.”  God’s Word is clear on this priority of relationship with Him and obedience to Him— “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry….” (I Samuel 15:23).  Oh, that we would love Him, obey Him, serve Him and others for His glory.  Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  So be it!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSAN5ObaRQg