September 18 – Pure Devotion (Joshua 7:1-26)

“That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.”
(Joshua 7:13)

IN WORD:
God had given the Israelites clear instructions: After the fall of Jericho, they were to destroy all the treasures of the city. None of those items once dedicated to idolatry were acceptable in the holy camp. If not destroyed, Israel’s disobedience would lead to its downfall. The people of God cannot thrive on false spiritual props.
Only one man violated the ban. Achan coveted, so he just took a few pieces of the spoils of war. Perhaps he didn’t see the sense in destroying useful wealth. Maybe he was just a guy wanting to make a little profit on the side. Or maybe he really didn’t trust in the provision of God, so he provided for himself. Whatever the case, God wouldn’t let it slide. The fortune of a nation — the chosen nation — hung in the balance. God let His great name suffer insult because of just one man’s disobedience. A little bit of disobedience corrupted the whole godly effort. The holy purpose had an unholy element.
The parallels to our own lives are clear. We have entered the promised land in the power of God and are marching toward complete victory. He has assured it, if we remain faithful. But the eyes of Achan lust within us for a few small mementos of our sinful past. We want to leave most of our sin behind while taking a few of our highly treasured attachments with us. We want to obey and harbor a little impurity. We want to embrace God without letting everything else go.

IN DEED:
We can’t. According to divine Law, it’s a spiritual impossibility. The principle is sure: God will give us victory if we’re wholly dedicated to Him; He will let us suffer defeat if we’re not. Victory and divided hearts cannot co-exist. God will not allow it.
Who or what are your enemies? Sin? Debt? Broken relationships? Difficult circumstances? God may have His purposes in all, but one thing’s for sure: Your enemies will stand until your idols fall.

“Quit all, strip yourself of all, and you will have all in God.”
-Gerson-