Hidden loot and Holy roots

This morning’s readings were Ephesians 3 and Joshua 7. Joshua 7 teaches that Achan (pronounced “a can”) stole a robe, silver, and gold that were supposed to go to God. His disobedience caused a humiliating defeat for the Israelites, in which 36 men were killed.

Joshua and the Elders can’t believe the defeat and went into a full-blown meltdown, crying out to God. God responds.

“Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.
Joshua 7:13

Achan confesses and tells Joshua where the loot is hidden. The Israelites stoned him, his family, and his livestock, then burned their bodies.

Reading chapter 7 reminds me of how our hidden sins and poor choices can affect not only us but also our families and the entire community. I think of my compulsions, my choices, and what I need to remove from my life.

What do we need to purify ourselves of so we can defeat our enemies?

I thank God for Jesus, the Holy Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, who makes us right in God’s eyes. I stand in awe of the love, grace, and mercy that I cannot fully understand. I am a work in progress, but I can only show progress through daily work. I need to read, study, and pray more. I need the Holy Spirit, my family, and church family to help me on the right path.

We can only progress through daily work.

I love the prayer that Paul prayed in Ephesians 3. We need to fall to our knees and pray this for ourselves, our families, our friends, and everyone we meet.

Lord, you are the Creator of everything in Heaven and earth. I pray that from your glorious, unlimited resources, you will empower us through your Spirit. I pray that Christ will make his home in our hearts as we trust in him, that our roots will go deep into God’s unfailing love and keep us strong. Lord, give us the power to understand how wide, long, high, and how deep your love is. Lord, may we experience the love of Christ, even though it’s so awesome, we can’t fully understand it. Then we will be made complete with the abundance of life and power that comes from God. All glory to God, who accomplishes infinitely more than we can ask or think. Glory to God, in the church and in Christ Jesus, through all generations forever and ever! Amen.