The Untouchables

“Now as for you, everything has been turned over for destruction. Don't covet or take any of these things. Otherwise, you'll make the camp of Israel itself an object worthy of destruction, and bring trouble on it.” Joshua 6:18

The marching orders had been given from God to the Israelite's and the time was upon them to conquer Jericho. The crowd was reminded that Rahab and her family’s household would be spared if the scarlet cord was in the window. But God added another command and underscored the importance of it. He instructed everyone that once the city had been devastated and taken over, nothing should be taken other than the gold, silver, and vessels of bronze and iron which would be consecrated to the treasury of the LORD. God had already given them the land in theory but there was a specific order of circumstances that had to first occur. But we soon discover that not everyone obeyed, and the choice to disobey was a costly one. “Israel has sinned…they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they put it among their own stuff.’” Joshua 7:11. The victory was promised by God, and the long-awaited dream was finally on the horizon. All they had to do was obey the one command God added to the march. Don’t touch!

I find this spiritual principle too close for comfort when considering how this ancient story intersects my story. When reading it I am reminded of the many times I have taken control of my circumstances when God said, ‘Do not touch!’ Things He told me not to say but I did…things He told me to say but kept quiet. I recall times when I was convicted to forgive yet held out. Times I withheld a version of the truth which God still considers a lie…all accursed things! Some of the accursed things are choices we make that negatively affect the lives of others. Other times we are negatively impacted from the selfish choices of others. God has promised us good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). He has an amazing harvest for all our lives if we will just obey Him and walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh. ‘The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ Ga 6:8-9.

What does it mean to sow to please our flesh? It means we withhold our time from someone who could use a friend. It means we tell white lies to benefit ourselves. We sow to please our flesh when we deny others forgiveness and grace. Our flesh will always find gossip or judgmental words to satisfy our jealous hearts. I don’t know why the children of Israel felt the need to steal something God had already promised them. I guess it the same reason we disobey God…impatience… entitlement…weariness…pride. ‘Every child of God must trust the Father with their future and the provision of their needs. He delights in providing for His children. We can learn from the example of the disobedient Israelite's. We can trust the heart of God, choose obedience, and accept God’s way and timing. The difference is between life and death, blessings and curses (De 30:19-20). The Study Bible for Women, NKJV, p 267. When we choose to sow to please the Spirit, we are living out our best and will inherit a wonderful harvest in our lives.