Devoted to Destruction

Text: Joshua 7:6-13 Theme: God will not bless or protect us if we do not destroy what He has deemed devoted. Key verses: “Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there until evening. The elders did the same…” (v. 6) “‘O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies?'” (v. 8) “What then will you do for your own great name?’ The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned…They have taken some of the devoted things…they have put them with their own possessions.” (v. 9-11) “…I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.” (v. 12) “…You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.” (v. 13) What God said to me: Son, once again, this is not a particularly difficult passage to understand. The idea should be clear: There are certain items and issues in the lives of my people that I will not tolerate. I have chosen those things and devoted them to be destroyed among you. They can become idols to you. More importantly, they bear my mark for destruction, and keeping them around - even if they are hidden from human site – pits those “little budhas” between you and me. Holding on to them, whatever your motives may be, is in direct violation of my will and commands. Thus, I will not bless those; I will not protect or use those children who protect and use that which I have said must be eradicated from their homes, minds and lives. Don’t pull a Joshua, Dwayne. Don’t assume your family, your church, and you yourself aren’t hiding any devoted pieces. Ask me, seek me and I will reveal anything in your life that doesn’t please me. I want to bless and use you, if only you will humbly bow and surrender the “devoted” things to me. What I said to God: Thank you, El Elyon, You are the majestic and powerful God of the heavens. Be God to me. Please show me anything I or my family or church is doing or not doing that You are displeased with. We cannot bear the thought of not having Your hand on us! Please, please help us to turn our eyes away from beholding vain things. May we be forever devoted to You and determined to destroy any potential idols in our lives that You have earmarked for destruction.