Sunday, March 23, 2025
Faithfulness To God: The Heart Of True Victory
The Cost of Unfaithfulness: Joshua 7
“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.” (Joshua 7:1).
“When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.” (Joshua 7:3).
“But the men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.” (Joshua 7:5).
“Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord until evening. Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! (Joshua 7:6-7).
“For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?” (Joshua 7:9).
“But the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings.'” (Joshua 7:10-11).
“That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (Joshua 7:12).
“Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.'” (Joshua 7:19).
“Achan replied, ‘It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. Among the plunder I saw a beautiful robe from Babylon, 200 silver coins, and a bar of gold weighing more than a pound. I wanted them so much that I took them. They are hidden in the ground beneath my tent, with the silver buried deeper than the rest.'” (Joshua 7:20-21).
“Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.’ And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies. They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry.” (Joshua 7:24-26).
Restoration Through Faithfulness: Joshua 8
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land.'” (Joshua 8:1).
“…Set an ambush behind the town.” (Joshua 8:2).
“You will destroy them as you destroyed Jericho and its king. But this time you may keep the plunder and the livestock for yourselves.” (Joshua 8:2).
“So they left and went to the place of ambush between Bethel and the west side of Ai. But Joshua remained among the people in the camp that night. Early the next morning Joshua roused his men and started toward Ai, accompanied by the elders of Israel.” (Joshua 8:9-10).
“Joshua and all the army of Israel fled toward the wilderness as though they were badly beaten. Then all the men in the town were called to chase after them. In this way, they were lured away from the town.” (Joshua 8:15-16).
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Point the spear in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand the town over to you.” Joshua did as he was commanded.” (Joshua 8:18).
“So the entire population of Ai, including men and women, was wiped out that day—12,000 in all. ” (Joshua 8:25).
“Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal.” (Joshua 8:30).
“Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction. Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them.” (Joshua 8:34-35).
Hebrews 11:6 – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Why Faithfulness To God Matters
- Faithfulness determines our spiritual victories.
- Faithfulness affects our community.
- Faithfulness restores our relationship with God.
- Faithfulness demonstrates our love for God.