Victory Or Defeat Walk A Thin Line

Joshua was leading the Israelites in battle to possess the land God had promised them in Joshua 7, but Achan's sin caused God's favor to be withdrawn which resulted in disaster for Israel (verses 1-5). Remember that sin always lurks in the shadow of victory.

Sadly, the Israeli spies underestimated the population of Ai. Again, do not underestimate the power of the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy. At the same time, do not let the rational assessment of his powers bring fear. You have power over all the power of the enemy. Discover and deal with the cause of defeat.

When there is defeat, there is a cause. Israel dealt with the guilty as instructed in Verses 13,25,26. This discipline resulted in restored approval by God. To maintain the presence of God, you must deal with sin by confession and repentance.

Achan's sin was a progression-he saw, he coveted, and he took (Verse 21). In 1 Peter 2:11 we are told to "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul". The lust of the eyes is not of the Father, but is of the world
according to 1 John 2:16. From the very first attack of the enemy on man, fleshly lusts have been instrumental in defeat.

In Chapter 8 God told Israel to take the city of Ai and that this time they would be victorious. Working as a team, Israel defeated the enemy by setting an ambush. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 indicates we have added strength against the enemy when we stand in support of one another.

Joshua told the men of war to be ready in Verse 4. You are engaged in spiritual warfare. You must be ready to advance and be on guard against the enemy at all times.

Joshua's sword was the signaling weapon to the men hidden in ambush in Verses 18and 19. Believers have a spiritual sword which is the Word of God which Paul described in Ephesians 6:17. You are to use it to warn others of the approach of the enemy.

The Israelites who fled into the wilderness turned back
upon their pursuers and slew them in Verse 21. Turn and face your enemy in the strength of the Lord.  James said in James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the Devil, and he will flee from you."

Joshua led the people in worship after the victory was won. Sometimes we make the mistake of emphasizing a spiritual victory and our part in attaining it. We are warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

Victory or defeat walk a thin line. Which side do you choose to be on?