RPG Adults
SIN CAME WITH A SETBACK
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 29
Joshua 7:1-12
James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth
to do good, and doeth it not,
to him it is sin.
SIN CAME WITH A SETBACK
In preparation to invade the city of Ai, Joshua sent spies from Jericho to go and view Ai. The men went and did as they were commanded. Then they returned to Joshua and gave their recommendation concerning the invasion of Ai.
The spies told Joshua that there was no need to send all their people to the city for it was few in number and would be an easy target. They recommended sending two or three thousand men. Joshua sent three thousand men, confident that they were going to smite the city easily. They were sure that victory was in their hands.
However, Israel was in for a surprise! The men of Ai chased them and they fled before them. The men of Ai smote about thirty-six men of Israel. They also chased them from before the gate up to Shebarim. The hearts of the children of Israel melted and they saw themselves as captives in the land of Canaan. They could not see any hope of living after that defeat. Joshua knew where to get the answer regarding this turn of events. God was their only hope.
Joshua and the Elders of Israel Made Supplications to the LORD: It was a very heart-breaking situation, but bringing that burden to God was the only solution for Joshua and Israel. This was their passionate plea: “And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!” (Josh 7:7-8). They pleaded for the sanctity of God’s name. God knew all that was happening and the experience was a process of spiritual growth for Joshua and the elders. After the devastating turn of events, their ears were more attentive to the voice of God. Joshua made his appeal with reason. They expected a positive answer.
THOUGHT: Appealing to God is the right thing to do in the midst of any disaster.
PRAYER: Father, please come to my rescue in my time of need.