Devotion
Yet he who has not sinned cast the first stone
David Jacobs
As an American, I feel that the death penalty is a black mark on our society. State governments have the authority to kill people that have been found guilty of certain crimes. I do not believe that any human has the authority to kill another, especially considering the number of cases that have been overturned with DNA evidence in recent years. No matter the crime, I feel that the death penalty only breeds more death, evil, and violence and is not a successful deterrent for crime.
In Joshua's time, this may not have been the case. As we have read in other parts of the Old Testament, God appreciated obedience and even wanted His followers at the time to fear Him. If God's trust was taken advantage of, He could become vengeful, as is the case in these verses. God threatens to stop helping Joshua in the earlier part of chapter 7, unless Joshua finds and rightfully condemns the person or people that sinned. That person, Achan, plundered the bounties of a recent quest, hiding it in his camp. Joshua and the Israelites know that Achan must pay for doing this. God has commanded it and the others have not sinned in His eyes. Achan and his entire families were killed and his possession was deprived. Then God was no longer angry.
The major difference between these examples is that in today's society, state governments and all people have sinned. Joshua and other Israelites had not sinned in the eyes of God. God has the authority to make the decision on whether or not a person should live or die; humans do not. Love each other, go from sin, and leave the big decision to God.
Prayer
Do you think that the death penalty is ever justified? We can see that God authorized the killing of Achan. Now consider the story of Jesus Christ: why were his persecutors not similarly judged.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
