Pastor Ponderings #176: Wallowing

The victory was incredible! God demonstrated His power in the battle of Jericho and all the land of Canaan would hear of the nation with whom the Lord dwells. Forty thousand battle-ready troops against this heavily fortified city and all they needed to do was march and shout! The confidence of the inhabitants of the land melted at the hearing of the Lord’s intervention on Israel’s behalf. Who can withstand a nation whose God fights for them? Joshua was exalted in the sight of the people, and it seemed the die was cast for the swift conquering of Canaan. Besides, what could hinder the favor of God upon His people? Sin.

Heartened by this victory, Joshua sends some spies to investigate the strengths of the town of Ai. Reports came back saying it was a small town with few inhabitants and minimal defenses. No need to send all 40,000 troops when 3,000 would be plenty. What a shock it must have been for Joshua to hear the report of Israel’s defeat at the hands of the few of Ai and the death of 36 soldiers.

Joshua 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.

Joshua found himself like we often do; hindered from moving forward on account of a sinful setback.

Joshua 7: 8 O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns its back before its enemies?

Joshua, and all Israel with him, were wallowing in their defeat. Achan has hidden some of the spoils of Jericho which were to be dedicated to the treasuries of the Lord. This individual sin had brought about the defeat of the nation. We should never minimize the collateral impact of our personal sin. This failure, this foolish decision, this thoughtless act, this moment of selfish impulse has upended so mighty a movement and sullied so great a momentum. What can we do but like Joshua and wallow in despair?

Joshua 7:10 So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? 13 Get up, sanctify the people… 16 So Joshua rose early in the morning…

God would not tolerate a wallowing warrior. Joshua was told in no uncertain terms to get up and get moving in dealing with the sin in the camp. This is the right response when we become aware of sin in our midst. Get up, get moving and respond in repentance. There is a wallowing that describes the wicked in Proverbs.

Proverbs 24:16 For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Notice that both the righteous and the wicked fall. This passage makes clear that perfection is not a prerequisite for righteousness. Rather righteousness is associated with doing the right thing after a fall – rise again. The wicked fall and seemingly remain satisfied in their surrender to defeat. The Scripture calls this a calamity. Dear friend, should you discover that you have sinned, do not sink into a pit of despair. Take the instruction God gave to Joshua and get up! Get up and sanctify yourself by responding in repentance. God will extend grace, mercy and forgiveness that you may rise again and not be found in the company of the wicked who are left overcome by their sin and wallowing.