#DailyDevotion Don’t Covet, Pray
July 2nd
Read Josh 7:1–26
Jos 7:1 But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel. 11-12 “Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. (12) Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.”
The Lord God was pretty explicit. The Israelites were to destroy everything but the precious metals (and those belonged to the Lord). But some of the Israelites trusted in possessions more than they trusted in the Lord. Achan coveted some of the stuff he had seen in Jericho. Instead of trusting in the Lord to provide him such things he took it upon himself to get it. His action spoiled the whole housed of Israel and they could not stand before their enemies. By harboring Achan the whole lot was devoted to destruction. Their only hope was to destroy that thing that brought destruction upon them.
Is there something in your life that you are coveting? What have you done to get what you have coveted? Did you ever think of asking the Lord for what you wanted instead of sinning to get it? We may covet all sorts of things, material and immaterial: Wives, women, men and husbands, children, objects that belong to someone else, someone else’s good name and reputation, their friends and immaterial blessings of those friends, fame, love etc.. Instead of asking God for such things and then going about the right way to get them we sin against other people and God and try to get them in ways other than the right ways.
We bring shame upon ourselves, our family, our congregation, the Church at large even our town, county and country when we attach our affections and desires to things which are devoted to destruction. Will not God’s wrath rest upon those who approve of such behaviors and lack of trust in the Lord.
James tells we don’t have because we don’t ask and when we do ask it is for selfish motives. Paul tells us to not be anxious but by prayer, petitions, supplications with thanksgiving present your request before God and the peace of Christ Jesus will keep your hearts. Jesus tells us to not be anxious because our heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide it for us, indeed the desires of our regenerate hearts will be fulfilled. Jesus promises ask and it will be given unto you. Give thanks as if you have already received it. Ask trusting you are acceptable and pleasing to God because of Jesus and your faith in him.
Lord God heavenly Father, grant us such faith in you that you will supply all our needs on account of Christ Jesus your Son and his promises that we do not covet that which is devoted to destruction, but wait on you to give us the desires of our hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.