They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” Joshua 7:21

We find the full story in Joshua 7, but in a nutshell the Israelites had won a great victory when they destroyed the city of Jericho. Then they went to conquer the small city of Ai, but to their dismay they were utterly defeated.  Joshua fell on his face before God and put ashes on his head. Remember, God had told Joshua that no one was allowed to take anything out of Jericho.  But a man named Achan had a covetous heart.  He took a splendid garment, some silver, and some gold.  Achan dug a hole in his tent and hid these things, thinking no one else would find out.  But God told Joshua there was sin in the camp; that’s why they were defeated.  They were to find the guilty man and destroy him, and then they could overcome Ai.  That’s how serious God is about sin.

            Likewise, we cannot live in Christian victory when there is sin in our lives.  Proverbs 15:3 says, The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.  Luke 12:2 says, There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. The question that needs to be asked is: Do you or I have anything hidden in our “tent,” any secret sin or some covetousness like Achan?  Any old grudges or wrong attitudes? Any feeling of bitterness or jealousy, or an unforgiving spirit?  If any of these are there, we cannot live in Christian victory.  We should confess and forsake all sins, and have them washed away by the blood of Christ.  We will not be stoned as Achan was, but will rather find full and free forgiveness.  By faith we will also receive power to live in Christian victory.

            Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Let’s not wait and hang on to things.  Let’s turn to Jesus for forgiveness and He will not only give us rest for our souls, but He will also give us victory over the things that the enemy has had his hands on.