“I Am The One Who Sinned Against

The LORD God Of Israel”

So Joshua rose early in the morning, and brought Israel near tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was taken. He brought near the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was taken; and he brought near the clan of the Zerahites, family by family, and Zabdi was taken. And he brought near his household one by one, and Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” And Achan answered Joshua, “It is true; I am the one who sinned against the LORD God of Israel. This is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighting fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. They now lie hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent with the silver underneath.

Joshua 7:16-22

A number of computer games come with a “Boss Key” which allows you to hide what you are doing when the boss comes by. Trying to hide what we have been doing when we are doing something wrong comes naturally. We may feel guilty, but our desire to avoid admitting our responsibility is often stronger than guilt.

Achan tried to hide his guilt. But the Lord identified Achan as the one who had sinned. And even though Achan confessed, he and his family were executed.

We may not understand why God dealt so harshly with Achan’s sin, but we do know He was instructing His people in His holiness and their need for obedience to His commands.

If you have been disobedient, it is time to come out of hiding. God is lovingly calling you and offering His cleansing, forgiveness, and restoration.

Confession is the key that opens the door to forgiveness.

Our Daily Bread – December 8, 2008