We struggle with someone suffering for the actions of another. In that day, they were not so individualistic as we are in this Western World. Whenever I share the Sin of Achan from the book of Joshua, modern folks like to protest. Here’s the story: The Israelites are given a great victory over the large city of Jericho. God instructs them not to take anything from the city. There is a smaller city, Ai, nearby, so they sent about 3,000 troops. Here’s what happened: Joshua 7:5 “5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.”
The Lord tells Joshua they lost because someone sinned by taking items from Jericho. So, they found out it is Achan. Here’s what comes next: Joshua 7:24-26 “24 Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.”
We don’t think it’s fair that the soldiers had to die because Achan sinned. We don’t think it’s fair that the whole family had to die because Achan sinned. God’s judgment is always righteous, so we need to accept it and learn from it. There is no private sin. Sin always has consequences that go beyond the person who is sinning. Are you sure, PJ? Have you considered the spiritual consequences for the whole Body of Christ that result from your choices and actions? We tend only to consider the consequences of sin in the physical realm.