This post is Day 27 in a series of studies about “Surprises”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Surprises – Day 27

Joshua 7:14

In the morning present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord chooses shall come forward clan by clan; the clan the Lord chooses shall come forward family by family, and the family The Lord chooses shall come forward man by man.

The Thought

What a terrifying thing this must have been to watch. All those who knew they were not guilty were hoping it was not their own family or tribe who would be found guilty. Joshua organised that day exactly as God had told him to. Eventually… Achan son of Karli, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah was chosen (Joshua 7:18).

The people had been warned not to take booty as they won the battles (Joshua 6:18). The result of owning things that had been dedicated to other gods could bring destruction. It is the same today. Many people who have inherited things that have been used in secret society worship find themselves with recurring illnesses or strange curses running through the family line. (A huge subject, too big for discussion in a daily reading!)

Eventually the culprit was found, and he and all his family were stoned to death! God was extremely serious about wanting a Holy People who were faithful to Him, not out of determined obedience, but because they appreciated His love, fatherly protection and advice. We as Christians are called to be that family having a loving relationship with our precious Heavenly Father.

Action

Think today about the severity of sin, and be thankful for Jesus breaking all curses and taking our sin on the cross. Claim the freedom that He won for you from any bad family inheritance.

Read Joshua 7 and imagine the tension in the camp throughout the process of finding the culprit. Praise God for Joshua God’s obedient servant who carried out the orders to the letter.

Ask the Lord to show you if there is anything to be dealt with in your family line. Pray about this with faithful mature christians.


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