Build a Secure Fortress
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.
Proverbs 14:26 NIV
Background
For the first four studies, we have been focused on Joshua as a leader, but other leaders emerge in the book of Joshua as well. I believe these leaders are there for a reason. Studying their decisions, as the decisions they made had strikingly different outcomes for their families, is beneficial. As single parents and family leaders, we need to be aware of how our decisions impact our children.
The Family Leaders
First let me introduce you to Achan. Achan was from the tribe of Judah. We can draw some conclusions about what Achan would have experienced. He would have been taught the law from Moses and his elders. He would have experienced first hand how God provided in the desert and would have witnessed all those who were not allowed to enter the promised land passing on, including Moses. Achan would have experienced for himself the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the walls of Jericho collapsing.
Contrastingly, we find Rahab, and there are no mincing words, she is a harlot, a prostitute. She is a Cannanite, a citizen in a wicked, condemned city. Her resume compared to Achan’s is not glowing, yet she is greatly used by God to aid the Israelites in entering the promised land.
We are never too high in status to fall into sin, and we are never too low a status to accept God’s love and grace and declare Him Lord of our lives.
Who Are You Believing?
In 7:11, God says Achan had sinned by violating the covenant. The verse goes on to say he stole, lied, putting the stolen things with his own possessions. (Look back at Joshua 6:17 and Joshua 7:1 for God’s command to not to take any plunder from Jericho. Look ahead to Joshua 8:2 where God allows the people to take some of the plunder. Bible commentaries note Achan should have been more patient!)
Interestingly enough, Achan’s sin reminds me of Eve’s sin. (See Genesis 3) Eve’s sin begins much the same way, seeing the beautiful fruit, wondering why God would not want her to have it.
We do not know all of Achan’s thought process, but we know it began with what he saw. Achan saw with his eyes what he could not have and coveted it. Here is what he said in verse 21,
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them.They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.
Ironically, we find Rahab is able to quote Israel’s history (see 2:8-11) although she has not witnessed it first hand. From that history, she draws the conclusion that “the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”
Achan broke the covenant. Rahab sought after a covenant. The KJV says she asked for a token. The word “token” is also used in the Bible as a sign of a covenant, similar to a ring as a “token” of a marriage covenant.
What are you bringing into your home?
Achan brought the stolen goods right into his home and hid them. Achan’s concern was not for his family, but for himself.
Rahab’s concern is for her family. This is what she asked for:
“Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” Joshua 2:12-13
Rahab looked toward the future. Achan lived for the moment.
Consequences
Everything connected with Rahab was saved. Everything connected with Achan was destroyed.
Violating God’s command had dire results for Achan’s family. He brought trouble to Israel and his family. He failed as a leader and his family paid the price. (see 7:25-26)
On the other hand, Rahab’s entire family is spared as seen in Joshua 6:23.
So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.
There is more good news from this story. Rahab goes on to live with the Israelites, marrying Salmon, and raising a godly son, Boaz. Read the short book of Ruth to see what an upright son Rahab raised.
Rahab is mentioned as one of only four women mentioned in Jesus’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5). She is also named in Hebrews 11:31 for her great faith and in James 2:25 as well.
Let’s Be Forward Thinkers
Obviously, we live in New Testament times, but the lives of Achan and Rahab are an apt warning. Our actions may affect our children in less obvious ways, but they watch us closely. We cannot bury or hide our sin without those around us being affected. No one sins in isolation. Let’s build a secure fortress our children can run to.
Remember, God calls us to leadership regardless of our past. Our story can be redeemed as was Rahab’s.
Take Away
ETL means we deny immediate gratification focusing our eyes on God and the long term goals He has for our families.
Reflections
What are we hiding, both internally and externally? We need to be careful what we bring into our homes. From time to time, it is a good idea to take an assessment of the music, movies, and books we own. If we desire to hide anything away, that may be a sign, it should not be there!
What we are putting in front of our eyes on a daily basis? What are we watching? Scrolling through on our phones?
(Right now, as an author, I am loving writingoffsocial. Listen to the interview with Kate Merrick about the pitfalls of social media at either link thebalancedmomcast)
Who are we believing? Being in God’s Word daily helps protect our minds and concentrate on truth.
See the free downloadable Changing Your Belief System on this site under the resource tab. There is one for men and one for women.
Feel free to comment below.
Well you cannot make a mistake with getting a quick breakfast on the table. This “pancake” is similar to a Dutch baby pancake. It is made in a cast iron skillet and bakes in 15 minutes.
