The Accursed Thing
Joshua 7:13, "Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you."
In the midst of conquering Jericho a great fortified city, a man named Achan brought a corporate curse upon the children of Israel. He had transgressed the commandment of God concerning the possessions belonging to the people of Jericho. He coveted (that is his own confession see: Joshua 7:21) a Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight. The gold and silver where to be placed into the treasury of the LORD, and the garment was to be left alone and burned. While these forbidden items remained in the possession of Achan, Israel would not defeat any of it's enemies, even a little city like Ai. God made it plain, "...thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you."
The lesson I glean from this verse is this, before you can experience victory you must be right with God. To "sanctify" means to set apart from the world and self, and unto God, they were going to find out that Achan was the transgressor and they were going to set themselves apart from him, his family, and everything he possessed. Once this step was taken, Israel would once again defeat it's enemies.
As we go out in service for the Lord we must make sure we are right with the LORD. Is there any accursed thing in your life today? You and the Lord know the condition of your heart. Achan knew he had sinned, and unfortunately he paid a heavy price for his sin, he was put to death.
May we genuinely pray, as the Psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thought. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139: 23-24)
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Have you ever thought about the impact of corporate consequences in your family, your church, and your community? How might you impact each of these communities?
2. Is your life a reflection of victory or defeat? Justify your answer.
3. If you are to experience spiritual victory in your life what one thing must be a reality?
4. Is there any accursed thing in your life today? What should you do if there is something wrong?