Fasting Devotional – Day Six Text: Joshua 6:15-27 & Joshua 7 Written by: Taylor Jaramillo
Thoughts
After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites to the promised land. In chapter 6, we see that right before the fall of Jericho, Joshua warns the Israelites in verse 18 to “keep away from the devoted things.” In Chapter 7, Achan was unfaithful by greedily taking what was banned by God. Joshua sent 3,000 men to go up against Ai but they chased the Israelites from the city gate and struck them down. Joshua then fell to his face in despair asking God why he brought them across the Jordan into the hands of the Amorites.
Most of us can relate to Joshua in this moment because he did everything he was told, but tragedy still struck. It’s hard to understand the “why” in the midst of tragedy, but we have to trust in God’s greater plans. In this situation, since Achan sinned, God said that the Israelites couldn’t stand against their enemies, and He would not be with them unless they destroyed whoever was devoted to destruction. Achan confessed what he stole in verse 21, but this was followed by his destruction in verses 25-26. Achan confessed his sin, but he was destroyed because of it.
In reflecting on this text, I am grateful for God’s perfect plan and the sacrifice He made by sending Jesus to the cross so that we are able to freely confess our sins, repent, and receive his mercy and grace. Can you imagine the destruction we would face if we didn’t have Jesus as our Savior? We can see the relationship between obedience and blessing in this chapter. Israel would have no further successes until the sin was uncovered. The same rings true today, we cannot receive the abundant kingdom life God has for us if we hide our sins. We must remember to enter his presence with praise and thanksgiving followed by confession of our sins and repentance.
Challenge
I challenge you to think about what unconfessed sin may be standing in the way of God’s blessing. Ask Him to reveal to you any strongholds you may be harboring and repent. Praise Him that we are able to confess our sins and receive forgiveness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your steadfast love and endless mercy. Please reveal to us what is distasteful to you and remove it from us. May we be cleansed and renewed from head to toe so that we may fully receive the abundant life you have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen!