“Who does Sin affect” (Part 2)
In this 2nd part about “Who does sin affect”, I am going to use an example from the Book of Joshua , chapter 7 concerning Achan.
The Children of Israel had just won the city of Jericho by following the Instructions that the Lord had given to Joshua concerning the way of victory. (When we follow what the Word of God says and are obedient to it, we will always be victorious no matter the situation that we may face.) Not only were the Children of Israel given instructions but also a warning, “ And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.” [Joshua 6:18-19]
However, just one disobeyed the warning but it affected everyone, “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” [Joshua 7:1]
Because of this disobedience, the Children of Israel lost the first battle with Ai which discouraged Joshua and the people, [Joshua 7:5], and caused Joshua himself to doubt. [Joshua 7:9] By the way, this was the only battle that you will find Joshua lost as leader. Once again the Lord was faithful to speak with Joshua and let the problem be made known. (Be sure your sin will find you out)
“ Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.”[Joshua 7:11-12]
Part 3 of “Who does sin affect”, I will look at how Joshua and the Children of Israel dealt with this sin of Achan and what the consequences were, one good and one bad. God Bless each of you until the next writing. Bro. Shayne
