In house church we have been going through the book of Joshua. There are many things that God has commanded us to not do. Not because he wants to make our lives harder. But because in our obedience to his commands we find protection and blessings that exceed our expectations.
In Joshua 7, God became angry with the Israelites because someone had disobeyed his commands. Joshua found out about the situation after a failed attack on the city of Ai:
“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; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”
Joshua 7:11-12
God has a reason for all that he commands and there were consequences for Achon, the Israelite that disobeyed, and his entire household. After Achon confessed that he had stolen he was put to death along with his family, and all his possessions burned. Achon’s disobedience had far reaching consequences that he never intended.
After Achon’s death, God told Joshua to attack the city of AI again. This time, they came out victorious and took possession of all that the city had to offer. God blessed his people for being obedient to his commands. After, this Joshua read all the laws that God gave them, so that they would all be reminded and not sin against God.
When it comes to disobedience there are times when it could result in death. Other times it can mean taking a longer, harder path then God intended for your life. When God tells you to do something, you do it. In Deuteronomy 28:1 it says,
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”
Just like God had plans for the Israelites. He has plans for you as well. But will you be obedient and follow his direction when he reveals it to you? Or will you take a different path because it seems easier?
Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.
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