Thursday May 02nd, 2024
« Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you ” »
1 But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.
2 Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven.
3 When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”
4 So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai
5 chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.
It is painful enough to be defeated in one round of contest, but even more so if one becomes an ex-champion, surrendering a crown totally.
This is because as soon as a fellow emerges as a champion, people’s expectations of him or her would have increased.
The attention of so many people- enemies inclusive, would be on the person.
Thus, a champion has more enemies than ordinary contender.
I pray that you will not be an ex-champion in the mighty name of Jesus.
The story in today’s Scripture reading is a sad one. The people of God had just recorded a victory over the great city of Jericho and were going to occupy a small village called Ai. To their surprise, they were utterly defeated. Their leader Joshua was downcast but he understood the reason for the defeat after he enquired from God.
There is a lesson from this event : it is that there is always a reason for every setback a child of God suffers.
Therefore, it is very important for children of God to carry out periodic self-examinations. James 1:13-15 NKJV says
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. »
God warned the Israelites not to take anything from Jericho after its destruction.
Achan however defied the instruction; he stole part of the accursed materials.
This singular act of disobedience turned the entire nation to ex-war champions, and they remained so until the accused things, the thief and his household were removed from the congregation of the people of God.
Beloved, you must abstain from ungodliness because it is deadly.
« The payment for sin is death »
Once you are forgiven, you have to forsake sin and then restitute your ways.
Jesus Christ told the man He graciously healed in John 5:14 to go and sin no more, so that something even more terrible would not befall him.
As you go out today, examine yourself and see if you are standing right with God (2 Corinthians13:5).
May the Lord grant you victory always.
Prayer focus – Holy Spirit, please help me to be vigilant in maintaining my victory in Christ. Help me Lord, so I do not fall into any temptation.
Author – Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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