Friday, January 28, 2011

Devoted ?

 1 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things[a]; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,[b] the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.
 2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!
10 The LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
 13 “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
Joshua 7

Did you ever wonder why really nice stuff is sometimes referred to as "trappings"? Because without the right perspective, things can become idols, supplanting our right relationship with our Father/Bridegroom/Lord/Master. It's not that having things is wrong at all, it's when they become "devoted things" - idols in principle. Idolatry is adultery...the forsaking of your one true love ... The breaking of covenants and promises, robbing us of the fullness and promises of who and what God wants us to be. Have you ever wanted to have possession of something so badly, preoccupied and craving after it, only to discover how anticlimactic and unfulfilled you were after you finally acquired it, asking yourself , "Is that all there is?", or thinking , " I have it finally..now what?" Whatever that "devoted thing" is, it will only rust or decay, and get in the way of seeing the One & Only. We were created for relationship, to lock gazes with our Abba/Bridegroom/King/Master, this is the only "love connection" that will truly satisfy.
Today get rid of those devoted things, whatever they are, and devote yourself with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength to Him alone.

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