The Agony of Defeat
The book of Joshua records a crushing defeat for God’s people as they entered the Promised Land – and this was after God had demonstrated his mighty power to defeat a powerful enemy. What led to this humiliating defeat?
THE AGONY OF SPIRITUAL DEFEAT
1. The reason for spiritual defeat – unconfessed sin.
God revealed the reason for the defeat (Joshua 7:11-12) - Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies.
Achan stole several items and disobeyed God. God allowed the enemy to have the victory. It is the same for the Christian. Sin, unconfessed, will absolutely rob you of any spiritual power.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)
2. The consequence of spiritual defeat – others suffer.
So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, who killed about thirty-six of them. (Joshua 7:4-5)
Thirty-six men died because of the lack of God’s blessing in the attack on Ai. Achan thought his sin didn’t affect anyone else. Sin is personal, but it has a communal effect. Example: A Christian parent living with unconfessed sin will have his or her children suffer (Isaiah 59:2): But the trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God. Because of sin he has turned his face away from you and will not listen anymore. [The Living Bible]
3. The answer for spiritual defeat – eradicate sin.
In verses 16-21, the sin of Achan is uncovered. Achan is punished, and Israel goes on to victory over Ai. For the Christian, the solution is clear (1 John 1:9) - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.