Broken Promise

Broken Promise

Joshua 7:1 – Later, the Israelis broke their promise regarding the things that had been turned over to destruction. Carmi’s son Achan, grandson of Zabdi and great-grandson of Zerah from the tribe of Judah, appropriated some of the things that had been turned over to destruction. As a result, the LORD became angry with the Israelis.

Joshua had given the Israelites these instructions – Joshua 6:17 – The city – along with everything in it – is to be turned over to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone who is with her in her house may live, because she hid the scouts we sent. 18 – Now as for you, everything has been turned over for destruction. Don’t covet or take any of these things. Otherwise, you’ll make the camp of Israel itself an object worthy of destruction, and bring trouble on it.

Verse 19 – But everything made of silver and gold, and vessels made of bronze and iron are set apart to the LORD. They are to go into the treasury of the LORD.”

There was a reason why Jericho was turned over to the Lord for destruction. It is the same reason the world will be turned over for destruction in the end. Revelation 21:8 says “But people who are cowardly, unfaithful, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, and all liars will find themselves in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

With the exception of Rahab and her family with her in her home – Revelation 21:8 was the description of Jericho. It’s time had come and Israel was warned that if anyone took anything from Jericho that was to be destroyed or set apart to the Lord, the whole camp would come under the sentence of destruction – they would be in trouble.

We must make sure that we are not bringing trouble upon ourselves and our families by coveting and taking things slated for destruction. Do we envy and covet the success of cowards who are unfaithful to God; who practice detestable things like dishonesty, cruelty, and murder; who make fortunes off the lives of others driving them into poverty; who obey all their lusts; who orient their lives according signs and wonders instead of the Son of God? And then do we try to worship God at the same time? It is no wonder that we end up struggling to have consistent faith in God.

Israel was in trouble because they had become double-minded. Triggered by one man’s sin they had lost their confidence in God and had to search for what was causing the trouble before they would be able to stand before their enemies.

Praise the Lord, He will help us in our search for what is causing us trouble. Let us not despair but rejoice that we are loved so much by Jesus that He will correct and discipline us in preparation for eternal life.

Revelation 3:19 – I correct and discipline those whom I love, so be serious and repent! 20 – Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me. 21 – To the one who conquers I will give a place to sit with me on my throne, just as I have conquered and have sat down with my Father on his throne.

May we let Jesus mend our broken lives and broken promises and restore our faith and confidence in Him so that we will conquer and stand before our enemies today and sit with Him on His throne tomorrow!