Brothers Keeper

“Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings” Josh.7:11 [emphasis added]

People argue about many things especially about tithing. Some ask, “If I do not tithe will I go to hell?” The answer is no. But that stubborn thing in you that can make you look God in the face and do your own thing will take you to hell. Just obey God! When you obey God, you are paying obeisance. That is why Jesus said, “these people, they draw near to Me with their lips but their heart is far away from Me.” So what has God told you to do? Do it! What has He warned you not to do? Please do not do it!

What part of your life are you unwilling to defer to God? What is that thing you are reluctant to let go? Could it be an accursed physical thing or the regalia of secret cults? Some people refuse to let go and are holding on to the item as a souvenir. Souvenir for what exactly? You do not need that souvenir. Bow to God!

“…They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me…” Josh.7:11. Just one man took the accursed thing but the whole nation suffered. Personally, I do not even meddle in people’s businesses. But on some levels, your business is my business and my business is your business. Some Pastors say what happens to them really does not matter.  The truth is that it matters what happens to you as a Pastor, it affects your congregation. There are some things that are communal with God and interestingly tithing is communal. Did you know that? God said, “you have “robbed me” you this whole nation” [Malachi 3]. I am sure that at least one priest was paying his tithe but God saw the whole nation as robbers.

Jonah [one person], was on a ship and the whole ship was going to capsize. Some things are communal. That is why you cannot say how your brother lives his life is not your business. It is your business, not because you want to run his life but because he is your brother. “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they…” Josh.7:11 [emphasis added]. How many people stole the accursed thing? One man – Achan. But what did God say? They, Israel, the entire nation!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray for myself and my brothers, help us walk before You blameless and cause all that we do to be pleasing unto You, in Jesus Name.