Representing God - Fai ma sui o le Atua

Scripture Focus: Iosua 7:1-15

But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against the children of Israel. Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and spy out the land.” The men went up and spied out Ai. They returned to Joshua, and said to him, “Don’t let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Don’t make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them.” So about three thousand men of the people went up there, and they fled before the men of Ai. The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them, and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water. Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before Yahweh’s ark until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. Joshua said, “Alas, Lord Yahweh, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? I wish that we had been content and lived beyond the Jordan! Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. What will you do for your great name?” Yahweh said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you fallen on your face like that? Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and also deceived. They have even put it among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. “Get up! Sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, “There is a devoted thing in your midst, Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.” “‘In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. It shall be that the tribe which Yahweh selects shall come near by families. The family which Yahweh selects shall come near by households. The household which Yahweh selects shall come near man by man. It shall be, that he who is taken with the devoted thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of Yahweh, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.’”
- Joshua 7:1-15 (WEB)

Study:

This passage reveals a vital moment in Israel's history as they seek to claim the Promised Land. Despite having God’s favor and leadership under Joshua, the nation faces defeat at Ai due to sin within their camp. Achan’s disobedience—taking of the devoted things contrary to God’s command—brought God’s anger upon all Israel. This sin disrupted the covenant relationship and caused the community to be vulnerable to defeat. Joshua’s distress and intercession demonstrate his role as mediator and leader who appeals to God's justice and name. Ultimately, God's instruction to sanctify the people and identify the one responsible emphasizes holiness and the seriousness of representing God rightly. The narrative teaches that God’s presence and blessing depend on obedience, holiness, and communal integrity.

Application:

Today, this story challenges us to remember that representing God is a serious responsibility. Just as Achan’s sin affected the entire nation, our personal actions can impact our families, communities, and churches. We are called to live in obedience and holiness, not only outwardly but in our hearts, removing anything that compromises our witness. This requires honest self-examination and willingness to confess, repent, and seek restoration. When God's name is represented well through our lives, He remains with us, guiding and blessing our endeavors. Conversely, hidden sins or disobedience can hinder God’s work among us and cause spiritual failure.

Reflection Questions:

• What sins or attitudes might be silently affecting my relationship with God and others?
• How can I cultivate a lifestyle of holiness and obedience in daily living?
• In what ways does my behavior represent God to my family, church, and community?
• Am I willing to confront sin in myself and in the community to restore right standing with God?
• How can I support others in living as faithful representatives of God?

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to represent You faithfully in every part of my life. Cleanse my heart from hidden sins and empower me to live in obedience and holiness. May Your name be honored through my words and actions, and may Your presence guide me in every step. Give me courage to face sin honestly and seek restoration, so that together we may walk in Your blessing and purpose. Amen.

Tags: Bible study, Joshua 7, sin and obedience, holiness, representing God, Christian living, spiritual leadership, repentance, Biblical lessons, faithfulness