Sin's Effect Upon All

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. [Joshua 7.1]

Nine years ago today, I wrote To Each His Own. After reviewing that post, I was satisfied with what it said.

Six years ago today, I wrote "I Didn't Sin" Doesn't Cut It. That post too seemed accurate in what it said.

Here is what I would add to this topic today: We should never underestimate the effect of the sin of one man. The entire nation of Israel suffered because of Achan's indiscretion (sin). In fact, thirty-six men died in short order as Ai, in their counter-attack, overcame Israel. And, although we are not given a specific number, all of Achan's children and livestock were stoned and burned as a result of Achan's sin.

Sounds harsh, huh?

The very fact that Achan's punishment sounds harsh to us indicts us of little or no understanding of God's holiness. Consequently, in our ignorance of holiness and resultant tolerance for sin, the likelihood of us enjoying victory and blessings as a nation, state, county, city, neighborhood, church or family is nil.

In the presence of unmitigated curses (sicknesses, diseases, loss and suffering), instead of addressing sin, Church leaders today have become very adept at avoiding the issue of sin that brings curses. Instead of addressing sin, leaders today send folks out the door "continuing to confess their faith" assuring them healing has begun, or "learning to be content because we live in a fallen world" assuring them that healing will come in heaven. Had Joshua led Israel based on today's acceptable Church leadership methods, they would have continued to experience defeat!

Curses today are experienced for the same reason curses have always been experienced - because of sin! When Jesus rose from the grave, God did not all of a sudden say, "Okay, physical, material and emotional loss are no longer the result of sin!" The ONLY reason physical, material and emotional loss occurs is SIN! It's not just "the fallen world we live in" that's to blame - it is SIN! GRANTED, Jesus died for our sin, but be very certain of this: REPENTANCE is absolutely necessary for faith in Christ! To "come to Jesus" without repentance is an oxymoron!

When it hurts, look for the sin. When it drains finances, look for the sin. When it frustrates and confuses, look for the sin (this is not to be confused with sacrificial living, sacrificial giving, or the agony of watching others reject Truth). Effectively, death, theft and destruction are the unbridled work of Satan because of sin. Against popular belief, we cannot "hold to Jesus" and keep our grip on sin too.

The tragedy of sin is its effect upon all. All Israel was defeated because of one man's sin. All Israel WAS RESPONSIBLE for Achan's sin. No "believe it until you receive it"  or "it's just the fallen world we live in" message would deal with the curse upon Israel. Israel's loss indicated that sin in their midst had to be dealt with for one and for all.

Father, help us to deal with sin. But first, help us to recognize sin's indicators of physical, material and emotional loss! Convict and convince us to repent! Oh, may we be found repentant and redeemed!