Daily Devotional

Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” (Joshua 7:19). 

Most robbers know that their chances of being caught are much less when they spend time to cover their tracks. They’ll often do a pretty good job, forcing detectives to work hard to find any revealing evidence. Some thieves, however, aren’t so smart.  

Riley Bigger really wanted a soda and some headphones. So, he parked  his bicycle and left his backpack in front of a local pharmacy, rushed in- side, grabbed what he wanted, and ran out the door—leaving his bike and pack behind. It didn’t take long to catch him, because the 19-year-old had a résumé in the backpack. It gave the police all the information they needed to find and arrest him. Interestingly, the résumé said he was “someone who can stay calm and make decisions based on common sense.” 

Joshua needed to stay calm. After conquering Jericho, a small Israelite army attacked the little town of Ai and was easily defeated. The bewildered leader fell on his face before God who informed him, “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff” (Joshua 7:10, 11). 

Jericho was an idolatrous city completely conquered by God’s power. All spoils were to be dedicated to the Lord. Nothing was to be taken by soldiers who entered the demolished city. But covetousness led Achan to steal a Babylonian garment, some silver, and a wedge of gold. He thought he could hide the evidence in his tent, but the Lord knew and revealed the guilty party. 

Some think they can hide their sins from others, but someday every- thing will be laid bare. There will be no need to search for evidence. When sinners stand before the judgment, their own lips will condemn them. 

Lord, forgive me for coveting that which is not mine. Give me a spirit of contentment.