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.
Devotion
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Frances Taylor
Paul was a learned Jew who had first been an opponent of the early Christians even to the point of participating in the stoning of St. Stephen and the imprisonment of other Christians. When he became a Christian himself and then began preaching the Good News of salvation, he was driven out of town by the Jews who believed he was a fraud out to entrap them. Some probably believed he was a traitor to Judaism. Either way, he spent the better part of his life preaching to the Gentile world. He was not afraid to admit he had been wrong about Jesus, about Christianity. He was not ashamed to preach his new found truth. Most of us have always been Christian. Have you ever been ashamed to admit it? Now, I'm sure not all of you go to church on a regular basis, so I'm not judging, but I do have a question for those of you who do. Have you ever been embarrassed while on vacation or while attending a conference to ask where the nearest church is ...
Morning Prayer
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Inspiration
Jesus Christ intended for us to be with him for life. This salvation that we have is not a temporary salvation – it is eternal. Christ prayed that we be with him at all times – and that prayer has come to pass. As we go through our daily lives, we should never forget that Christ is with us at all times. Nothing can ever separate us from His love and that will not change anytime soon.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for this gift of salvation that is eternal. I thank you, Lord, that wherever I go you are always with me. It is a great comfort to know that I never have to face anything on my own; your love and peace comfort me and give me the strength I need to keep moving. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Inspiration
We have chosen to live in Christ; therefore, our lives must reflect His love and grace. As Christians, we consider our words and actions, understanding that we are an example to others. We will study Scripture and apply it to our everyday activities as we share witness to others and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. We are children of God who live in the world when we are not of the world.
Prayer
Dear God, We are blessed to be Your children and will continue to live our lives according to Your will so we may be a reflection of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
