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timewithgod.blog-city.com — January 2010
Song Of Solomon 1 & 2 -- Who's Really On First?
This reads like a play, but we don't have the convenience of the script notating just who's doing the talking. While much has been made of this being Solomon's courtship of the Shunamite woman, my commentary took a different
This reads like a play, but we don't have the convenience of the script notating just who's doing the talking. While much has been made of this being Solomon's courtship of the Shulamite woman, my commentary took a different tack:
It describes the first part of chapter one as the Shulamite woman thinking about her shepherd-lover (a description that doesn't fit King Solomon) who she's been separated from. In verses 2-4 of chapter one, she's described as "longing for the kisses of her shepherd-lover; then imagining that he is present." That makes sense, because the rest of the book involves Solomon's efforts to win her love. Her own descriptions sure sound like she's not speaking of someone she doesn't yet know.
In verses 7-8, it says, "Her thoughts wander to her lover. She wonders where he is ... and she can't understand why she can't be with him." If she has indeed been added to Solomon's harem, that would make sense - a forced isolation. As Solomon attempts to woo her, in her own mind she keeps thinking of her shepherd-lover, it explains. Adding to the evidence, her setting for romance is pastoral, not palatial, it says.
Chapter 2, verse 3 again seems to indicate that she's spent quality time with her shepherd-lover already, and she relishes her time with him. "It's as if he were actually with her, holding and embracing her."
The commentator says that 2:7 is the keynote of the book: "There is a time for love. It should not be aroused by carnal means (as the king was trying to do) ... love is not a thing to be bought or forced or pretended, but a thing to come spontaneously, to be given freely and sincerely." He noted that had Israel done that very thing, it would not have been unfaithful to Jehovah.
Father, my time has not yet come for this. It would be an incredible gift from You. I agree with what verse 7 says - love is to be given freely and sincerely and not forced or pretended. I've see You do that for me. Help me to know Your will for this part of my life and ready me for whatever You have in store.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
It describes the first part of chapter one as the Shulamite woman thinking about her shepherd-lover (a description that doesn't fit King Solomon) who she's been separated from. In verses 2-4 of chapter one, she's described as "longing for the kisses of her shepherd-lover; then imagining that he is present." That makes sense, because the rest of the book involves Solomon's efforts to win her love. Her own descriptions sure sound like she's not speaking of someone she doesn't yet know.
In verses 7-8, it says, "Her thoughts wander to her lover. She wonders where he is ... and she can't understand why she can't be with him." If she has indeed been added to Solomon's harem, that would make sense - a forced isolation. As Solomon attempts to woo her, in her own mind she keeps thinking of her shepherd-lover, it explains. Adding to the evidence, her setting for romance is pastoral, not palatial, it says.
Chapter 2, verse 3 again seems to indicate that she's spent quality time with her shepherd-lover already, and she relishes her time with him. "It's as if he were actually with her, holding and embracing her."
The commentator says that 2:7 is the keynote of the book: "There is a time for love. It should not be aroused by carnal means (as the king was trying to do) ... love is not a thing to be bought or forced or pretended, but a thing to come spontaneously, to be given freely and sincerely." He noted that had Israel done that very thing, it would not have been unfaithful to Jehovah.
Father, my time has not yet come for this. It would be an incredible gift from You. I agree with what verse 7 says - love is to be given freely and sincerely and not forced or pretended. I've see You do that for me. Help me to know Your will for this part of my life and ready me for whatever You have in store.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Song Of Solomon 3-5 Quite A Different Take When Viewed This Way
This three-character view of the book makes it take on a whole new perspective. According to my commentary, in 3:1-4 she dreams of her shepherd, but then Solomon arrives in 3:6-11 in his grandiose procession. "The question imp
This three-character view of the book makes it take on a whole new perspective. According to my commentary, in 3:1-4 she dreams of her shepherd, but then Solomon arrives in 3:6-11 in his grandiose procession. "The question implied is, ‘Who could resist the romantic overtures of such a glorious king?' The implied answer, of course, is ‘The Shulamite can!' She is faithful to her own lover and deaf to all other voices."
Solomon again tries to captivate her in 4:1-5, but "she interrupts in 4:6 to let him know that she is impervious to his flattery, and that she is looking forward to reunion with her beloved."
Her young shepherd appears in 4:7 and appeals to her to leave Jerusalem. Then in 5:2-7 she recalls a nightmare where she missed seeing him because she wouldn't get out of bed to answer the door. "He constant enthusiasm for a mere shepherd arouses the interest of the daughters of Jerusalem. They can't understand why ANYONE should refuse the love of a Solomon for some obscure country lad, so they ask her what is so SPECIAL about her beloved." She proceeds to tell them.
I suppose I root for the underdog a lot. I may even see myself as the shepherd. Solomon had rooms full of wives and everything he ever wanted. He would have must likely been considered somewhat like the high school quarterback in his day - a designation that wouldn't have been applied to me. So when the other guy gets the girl, I cheer.
This speaks so much to me of seeing the inner beauty of someone - of marriage as the ultimate friendship rather than marrying for money, looks, or any other external reason. This book becomes a repudiation of the world's way of "doing marriage". I like this view much better so far.
Father, thank You for the gentle reminder that marriage must be based first and foremost on love for each other not lust. It should never be done for any other reason. Keep showing me Your will for a husband and wife.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Solomon again tries to captivate her in 4:1-5, but "she interrupts in 4:6 to let him know that she is impervious to his flattery, and that she is looking forward to reunion with her beloved."
Her young shepherd appears in 4:7 and appeals to her to leave Jerusalem. Then in 5:2-7 she recalls a nightmare where she missed seeing him because she wouldn't get out of bed to answer the door. "He constant enthusiasm for a mere shepherd arouses the interest of the daughters of Jerusalem. They can't understand why ANYONE should refuse the love of a Solomon for some obscure country lad, so they ask her what is so SPECIAL about her beloved." She proceeds to tell them.
I suppose I root for the underdog a lot. I may even see myself as the shepherd. Solomon had rooms full of wives and everything he ever wanted. He would have must likely been considered somewhat like the high school quarterback in his day - a designation that wouldn't have been applied to me. So when the other guy gets the girl, I cheer.
This speaks so much to me of seeing the inner beauty of someone - of marriage as the ultimate friendship rather than marrying for money, looks, or any other external reason. This book becomes a repudiation of the world's way of "doing marriage". I like this view much better so far.
Father, thank You for the gentle reminder that marriage must be based first and foremost on love for each other not lust. It should never be done for any other reason. Keep showing me Your will for a husband and wife.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Song Of Solomon 6-8 Turning Down The King
I couldn't help but think about how special the woman made the shepherd feel because, despite having caught the eye of the king, she still desires only the shepherd - her first love. My commentary explains that in chapter 7 Solomon t
I couldn't help but think about how special the woman made the shepherd feel because, despite having caught the eye of the king, she still desires only the shepherd - her first love.
My commentary explains that in chapter 7 Solomon tries once more to obtain her love and affection by showering her with compliments, "but she lets him know that her wine is not for him, but for her beloved. She belongs to her lover and not to the king."
Also in 8:12 the young woman tells Solomon that he "can keep his wealth as far as she is concerned." She was remaining true to her shepherd-lover.
The commentary closes out the book by calling it "the Old Testament's endorsement of monogamy in the face of the most glaring example of polygamy to be found in the Scriptures. It is a powerful plea to Israel of Solomon's day to return to the God-given ideal of love and marriage."
Father God, please help me to remain faithful to You and not to be swayed by what the world tries to offer me. Help me never to buy into Satan's lies. You are my Shepherd. I shall not want for anything.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
My commentary explains that in chapter 7 Solomon tries once more to obtain her love and affection by showering her with compliments, "but she lets him know that her wine is not for him, but for her beloved. She belongs to her lover and not to the king."
Also in 8:12 the young woman tells Solomon that he "can keep his wealth as far as she is concerned." She was remaining true to her shepherd-lover.
The commentary closes out the book by calling it "the Old Testament's endorsement of monogamy in the face of the most glaring example of polygamy to be found in the Scriptures. It is a powerful plea to Israel of Solomon's day to return to the God-given ideal of love and marriage."
Father God, please help me to remain faithful to You and not to be swayed by what the world tries to offer me. Help me never to buy into Satan's lies. You are my Shepherd. I shall not want for anything.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 1-2 Battles Brewing
I read Joshua about one year before I found my son in Ukraine. I'd spent 15 months going through some of the toughest times I'd ever experienced and God took me to Joshua right in the middle of it. The words I'd read fr
I read Joshua about one year before I found my son in Ukraine. I'd spent 15 months going through some of the toughest times I'd ever experienced and God took me to Joshua right in the middle of it. The words I'd read from God to Joshua were also the words I'd taken to heart, and I'd told my son, through the interpreter, that those words were from God to him as well, and so fitting given what he was about to experience coming to America and being immersed in a whole new language and culture:
"I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you ... Be strong and brave! Be sure to obey all the teachings ... Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go."
Max Lucado's introduction to Joshua says, "The Book Of Joshua is a book of battles. A book for soldiers. A book for people who would dare win God's way. What applied then applies today. It is the faithful who conquer. Those who follow the strategy win; those who don't - don't."
My commentary said: "The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such an obstinate people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor, Moses, were perhaps heavy on Joshua's mind at this time. But the Lord was not CALLING him without ENABLING him ... The real battle of faith is joined here. Not what we are, but what HE IS! Now what we feel, but HIS FACTS."
I want to be more like Joshua. The only thing is, I'd rather not have to be in the battle.
Father, I know that You grow my faith, as You did Joshua's, through tough times. I'm not wanting to stop growing spiritually. I just want a little respite from the battle.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
"I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you ... Be strong and brave! Be sure to obey all the teachings ... Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go."
Max Lucado's introduction to Joshua says, "The Book Of Joshua is a book of battles. A book for soldiers. A book for people who would dare win God's way. What applied then applies today. It is the faithful who conquer. Those who follow the strategy win; those who don't - don't."
My commentary said: "The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such an obstinate people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor, Moses, were perhaps heavy on Joshua's mind at this time. But the Lord was not CALLING him without ENABLING him ... The real battle of faith is joined here. Not what we are, but what HE IS! Now what we feel, but HIS FACTS."
I want to be more like Joshua. The only thing is, I'd rather not have to be in the battle.
Father, I know that You grow my faith, as You did Joshua's, through tough times. I'm not wanting to stop growing spiritually. I just want a little respite from the battle.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 3 -- The Expectancy
I can't imagine the excitement, the expectancy, and perhaps even the anxiety the Israelites must have felt, hearing that they were about to cross over the Jordan River into the unconquered Promised Land after 40 years of travel through the
I can't imagine the excitement, the expectancy, and perhaps even the anxiety the Israelites must have felt, hearing that they were about to cross over the Jordan River into the unconquered Promised Land after 40 years of travel through the desert! Pretty much everyone in the group had been born in the wilderness. They had no recollection of Egypt. They'd known no homeland for as long as they'd lived.
Yet there were some who remembered the tales of giants in the new land. And there were many tribes currently living there who would have to be fought and defeated. The great leader Moses was gone. The untested one - Joshua - was speaking and saying that they would cross the line tomorrow. Did they sleep much that night? Were they worrying about the next 40 years? We don't know. But human nature tells me they probably did both.
Josh had said, "Make yourselves holy, because tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." I imagine that as they ritually washed themselves and changed their clothes, they must have wondered if they'd don't it right, or done it enough so that they wouldn't be excluded from entry. So many times today, I think we expect God to make us holy, rather than starting the process ourselves at His command as they did. Maybe we shouldn't wait. Making ourselves holy should probably be an ongoing thing for us.
The people watched as the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river. In utter obedience to its Creator, each droplet of water hurried to remove itself from the Ark's path, squirting out from every dirt molecule of the deepest bottom mud instantly. For miles up the river, the upstream droplets held their place rather than transgress the command of their Maker, defying gravity with all their might until every man, woman, child, and animal had set foot into the Promised Land.
God didn't cause them to doubt as they set foot into the new land. Instead, through this miracle, He stoked their faith. As He had promised, He'd done amazing things among them that day. The great "I AM" was telling them, "I AM with you, and I WILL BE with you as WE go through this land together."
Father, thank You for taking the initiative to draw me to Yourself, and for helping me to understand my part in making myself holy. I'm not being super-spiritual or pious in thinking that I can do that myself. I'm simply acknowledging that You desire that I work at it, and You promise to help me all along the way to remain close to You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Yet there were some who remembered the tales of giants in the new land. And there were many tribes currently living there who would have to be fought and defeated. The great leader Moses was gone. The untested one - Joshua - was speaking and saying that they would cross the line tomorrow. Did they sleep much that night? Were they worrying about the next 40 years? We don't know. But human nature tells me they probably did both.
Josh had said, "Make yourselves holy, because tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." I imagine that as they ritually washed themselves and changed their clothes, they must have wondered if they'd don't it right, or done it enough so that they wouldn't be excluded from entry. So many times today, I think we expect God to make us holy, rather than starting the process ourselves at His command as they did. Maybe we shouldn't wait. Making ourselves holy should probably be an ongoing thing for us.
The people watched as the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river. In utter obedience to its Creator, each droplet of water hurried to remove itself from the Ark's path, squirting out from every dirt molecule of the deepest bottom mud instantly. For miles up the river, the upstream droplets held their place rather than transgress the command of their Maker, defying gravity with all their might until every man, woman, child, and animal had set foot into the Promised Land.
God didn't cause them to doubt as they set foot into the new land. Instead, through this miracle, He stoked their faith. As He had promised, He'd done amazing things among them that day. The great "I AM" was telling them, "I AM with you, and I WILL BE with you as WE go through this land together."
Father, thank You for taking the initiative to draw me to Yourself, and for helping me to understand my part in making myself holy. I'm not being super-spiritual or pious in thinking that I can do that myself. I'm simply acknowledging that You desire that I work at it, and You promise to help me all along the way to remain close to You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 4 -- The Stones Of Remembrance
The priests stood holding the Ark of the Covenant in the middle of the Jordan River as the Israelites finally crossed and entered the Promised Land. Once the myriad of people had stepped into the new land, God directed Joshua to have one
The priests stood holding the Ark of the Covenant in the middle of the Jordan River as the Israelites finally crossed and entered the Promised Land. Once the myriad of people had stepped into the new land, God directed Joshua to have one man from each tribe carry large stones from the middle of the Jordan on their shoulders to the place where Israel would first camp in the new land. God thought it important that they have something to help them remember what had happened that day - how He had again displayed His great power and love for His people.
Joshua also piled up 12 rocks in the center of the Jordan to commemorate God's faithfulness. As the group carrying the Ark reached the West Bank and stepped onto dry ground, the waters of the Jordan once again rose to flood stage.
As another proof of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, the date of their crossing is important - 5 days shy of a full 40 years since the exodus from Egypt, and just in time to celebrate the Passover. More interesting perhaps than who was there was who was missing - everyone who'd left Egypt except Joshua and Caleb. The old generation had passed on because of their sins in the wilderness. How careful we should be that our sinfulness never disqualifies us from enjoying the fruits of what God has planned for us. Even Moses wasn't exempt. After serving for over 40 years as Israel's messenger from god, one tragic slip-up caused him to completely miss what he'd worked his whole life to see. Such a tragedy!
Father, keep me ever mindful of the fact that I'll never know everything You have prepared to bless me with this side of heaven. But help me also to live my life in such a way that, when You someday show me everything that might have been, according to Your plan, I'll have little room to be disappointed. Remind me often of the spiritual markers You've placed in my own life. I thank You for being so actively involved in my life and the lives of my boys!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua also piled up 12 rocks in the center of the Jordan to commemorate God's faithfulness. As the group carrying the Ark reached the West Bank and stepped onto dry ground, the waters of the Jordan once again rose to flood stage.
As another proof of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, the date of their crossing is important - 5 days shy of a full 40 years since the exodus from Egypt, and just in time to celebrate the Passover. More interesting perhaps than who was there was who was missing - everyone who'd left Egypt except Joshua and Caleb. The old generation had passed on because of their sins in the wilderness. How careful we should be that our sinfulness never disqualifies us from enjoying the fruits of what God has planned for us. Even Moses wasn't exempt. After serving for over 40 years as Israel's messenger from god, one tragic slip-up caused him to completely miss what he'd worked his whole life to see. Such a tragedy!
Father, keep me ever mindful of the fact that I'll never know everything You have prepared to bless me with this side of heaven. But help me also to live my life in such a way that, when You someday show me everything that might have been, according to Your plan, I'll have little room to be disappointed. Remind me often of the spiritual markers You've placed in my own life. I thank You for being so actively involved in my life and the lives of my boys!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 5 -- Not A Conventional Invasion
The large invading Israelite army, along with all the women and children, now stood in the Promised Land. Yet they did not immediately begin their attacks. God had different orders: "Make knives from flint stones and cir
The large invading Israelite army, along with all the women and children, now stood in the Promised Land. Yet they did not immediately begin their attacks. God had different orders: "Make knives from flint stones and circumcise the Israelites." Physical circumcision was the mark of the covenant between God and His people. But for 40 years it had not been practiced as they wandered through the desert. My commentary said that the ceremony was a sign of their restoration to the full enjoyment of their covenant blessings. There would have been no better time to attack them, but in drying up the Jordan God had also dried up the last bit of courage that the Canaanites might have had to attack and repel the invades.
A few days later, they celebrated the Passover, and the day they ate food that had been grown in the Promised Land, the manna stopped coming from Heaven. They were no longer wanderers, but conquerors.
Joshua looked up a few days later and saw a man in front of him holding a sword. This man declared that He was the commander of the Lord's army. Joshua bowed before Him and asked if his Master had a command for him. He was told to remove his sandals, because he was standing on holy ground. My commentary notes that this man was Jesus in one of His pre-incarnate appearances, for no angel ever allowed a human to worship him. "Christ does not come merely to help us, and certainly not to harm us; He comes to take full control ... Here the Angel of the Lord commands worship, thereby proving His divine nature."
One day Jesus will again return as commander of the Lord's army. He will not simply advise. He will conquer. How important it will be to have our names written in His book.
Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness in fulfilling Your promise to deliver the Israelites to the Promised Land, and You did it exactly on time. You watched over them as they healed, then directed them to take possession of all that You'd given them. Thank You for beginning the process of purifying me. Help me to also let You have full control of my life at all times. Lead me into the Promised Land You have prepared for me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
A few days later, they celebrated the Passover, and the day they ate food that had been grown in the Promised Land, the manna stopped coming from Heaven. They were no longer wanderers, but conquerors.
Joshua looked up a few days later and saw a man in front of him holding a sword. This man declared that He was the commander of the Lord's army. Joshua bowed before Him and asked if his Master had a command for him. He was told to remove his sandals, because he was standing on holy ground. My commentary notes that this man was Jesus in one of His pre-incarnate appearances, for no angel ever allowed a human to worship him. "Christ does not come merely to help us, and certainly not to harm us; He comes to take full control ... Here the Angel of the Lord commands worship, thereby proving His divine nature."
One day Jesus will again return as commander of the Lord's army. He will not simply advise. He will conquer. How important it will be to have our names written in His book.
Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness in fulfilling Your promise to deliver the Israelites to the Promised Land, and You did it exactly on time. You watched over them as they healed, then directed them to take possession of all that You'd given them. Thank You for beginning the process of purifying me. Help me to also let You have full control of my life at all times. Lead me into the Promised Land You have prepared for me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 6 -- A Curious Interplay Of Faith And Grace
This chapter contains the familiar story of the fall of the walls of Jericho. As the first real military challenge to the Israelites coming in to claim what God had given them, Jericho was, as my commentary described, "a doomed city
This chapter contains the familiar story of the fall of the walls of Jericho. As the first real military challenge to the Israelites coming in to claim what God had given them, Jericho was, as my commentary described, "a doomed city because it stood on God's land and its rightful tenants had come to claim their property." It continued, "Many things in our lives loom out as Jerichos, impeding our progress in possessing our possessions. Perhaps we've been discouraged with the sheer immensity of our trials. If we will only claim the victory the Lord gives and move ahead in faith, with eyes fixed upon God for success, we too will see miracles."
There was also a curious interplay of faith and grace in this story. My commentary noted:
"When one realizes the moral perversity of the Canaanites, it is easy to see why God ordered the complete destruction of life within Jericho. Rather than criticize the Lord for administering deserved judgment to the wicked, we should marvel at His grace which preserved Rahab and her family from the same. The faith that brought the walls down also brought Rahab and her relatives out. The grace of God not only made provision for her safety but also elevated her to a place in the ancestry of David and ultimately of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace not only saves us from destruction but also guarantees our exaltation. Faith is the hand that takes hold of grace."
Father, I'm so thankful that You reached down and extended grace to me. You didn't have to do that, and You could have left me where I was. Thank You for softening my heart enough to grow my faith to reach out and take hold of that grace.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
There was also a curious interplay of faith and grace in this story. My commentary noted:
"When one realizes the moral perversity of the Canaanites, it is easy to see why God ordered the complete destruction of life within Jericho. Rather than criticize the Lord for administering deserved judgment to the wicked, we should marvel at His grace which preserved Rahab and her family from the same. The faith that brought the walls down also brought Rahab and her relatives out. The grace of God not only made provision for her safety but also elevated her to a place in the ancestry of David and ultimately of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace not only saves us from destruction but also guarantees our exaltation. Faith is the hand that takes hold of grace."
Father, I'm so thankful that You reached down and extended grace to me. You didn't have to do that, and You could have left me where I was. Thank You for softening my heart enough to grow my faith to reach out and take hold of that grace.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Joshua 7 -- Man, I Hate This Chapter
How many times do we believe the lie of Satan that our little sin is hurting no one? Years before the Israelites first went to Egypt, Jacob's son Judah sinned "a little sin" by not keeping his word that his youngest son woul
How many times do we believe the lie of Satan that our little sin is hurting no one?
Years before the Israelites first went to Egypt, Jacob's son Judah sinned "a little sin" by not keeping his word that his youngest son would marry the widow of one of his older sons so that she might have children. Later, Judah sinned by hiring a prostitute, who in reality turned out to be this same woman. These two sins began the part of the family tree that resulted in Achan being present in this chapter.
Now Achan becomes the only Israelite to defy God's command not to keep any of the spoils from the capture of Jericho. When the Israelites next sought to defeat the relatively weak town of Ai, they were soundly defeated, and 36 Israelites died in the fighting. In mourning and anxious about their status, the people sought God, and He led them through tribes, family groups, and families right to Achan, who confessed his theft and his hiding of his sin.
His reason? "I wanted these things very much FOR MYSELF." God had said, "Some of you are keeping things I commanded you to destroy. You will never defeat your enemies until you throw away those things."
His result? Achan and his entire family and all their possessions were destroyed.
Just look what Judah's sin ended up costing! Achan's sin was just as bad. Sin is tantalizing as we first consider it, yet as we look back on it, it is hideous.
My commentary pointed to James 1:14-15: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away BY HIS OWN DESIRES and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
What God told them about the items that were taken by Achan from Jericho applies so very well to sin in our OWN lives. "Some of you are keeping things I commanded you to destroy. You will never defeat your enemies until you throw away those things."
Father, I know that I too stupidly and blindly fall for Satan's lies. My own desires cause me to sin, though - not Satan. Forgive me for my stupidity and my disobedience. Strengthen me to throw away what You command me to get out of my life. Help me to defeat sin. Don't let it defeat me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Years before the Israelites first went to Egypt, Jacob's son Judah sinned "a little sin" by not keeping his word that his youngest son would marry the widow of one of his older sons so that she might have children. Later, Judah sinned by hiring a prostitute, who in reality turned out to be this same woman. These two sins began the part of the family tree that resulted in Achan being present in this chapter.
Now Achan becomes the only Israelite to defy God's command not to keep any of the spoils from the capture of Jericho. When the Israelites next sought to defeat the relatively weak town of Ai, they were soundly defeated, and 36 Israelites died in the fighting. In mourning and anxious about their status, the people sought God, and He led them through tribes, family groups, and families right to Achan, who confessed his theft and his hiding of his sin.
His reason? "I wanted these things very much FOR MYSELF." God had said, "Some of you are keeping things I commanded you to destroy. You will never defeat your enemies until you throw away those things."
His result? Achan and his entire family and all their possessions were destroyed.
Just look what Judah's sin ended up costing! Achan's sin was just as bad. Sin is tantalizing as we first consider it, yet as we look back on it, it is hideous.
My commentary pointed to James 1:14-15: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away BY HIS OWN DESIRES and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
What God told them about the items that were taken by Achan from Jericho applies so very well to sin in our OWN lives. "Some of you are keeping things I commanded you to destroy. You will never defeat your enemies until you throw away those things."
Father, I know that I too stupidly and blindly fall for Satan's lies. My own desires cause me to sin, though - not Satan. Forgive me for my stupidity and my disobedience. Strengthen me to throw away what You command me to get out of my life. Help me to defeat sin. Don't let it defeat me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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