The Four Steps That Lead the Heart Away

The Bible in a Year

“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent.”
Joshua 7:21

As we continue our journey through the Scriptures this year, the story of Achan in Joshua 7 stands as a sobering reminder that sin rarely arrives suddenly. Instead, it unfolds step by step, quietly moving from a thought to an action and finally to consequences that affect far more people than we imagine. Israel had just witnessed the miraculous fall of Jericho. God had commanded that the spoils of that city were devoted entirely to Him. Yet one man among the thousands allowed temptation to grow within his heart. Achan’s confession in Joshua 7:21 reveals a pattern that is repeated throughout human history: seeing, coveting, taking, and hiding.

The first step in Achan’s downfall was seeing. He looked upon a beautiful Babylonian garment and precious metals. At first glance, the act of seeing may appear harmless. Yet Scripture consistently warns us about the influence of what captures our attention. The Hebrew verb used in Joshua 7:21 is ra’ah, meaning to look upon or perceive. Seeing itself is not sin, but what we allow our eyes to linger upon can awaken desires that shape our hearts. This same dynamic appeared in the very first sin recorded in Scripture. Genesis 3:6 tells us that Eve “saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes.” What began as observation quickly became temptation. Jesus later echoed this principle when He taught that the eyes can guide the entire direction of life: “The lamp of the body is the eye” (Matthew 6:22).

From seeing, Achan moved to coveting. The Hebrew word behind this idea, chamad, means to desire intensely or to take pleasure in something forbidden. What the eyes notice, the heart may begin to crave. The apostle Paul warned believers about this very movement of the heart when he wrote, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Our affections are powerful forces. When they attach themselves to the wrong object, they quietly pull our lives away from God’s purposes. Many spiritual failures do not begin with outward rebellion but with inward longing that grows unchecked.

The third step was taking. What began in the eyes and deepened in the heart eventually moved into action. Achan physically took the items God had forbidden. This step reminds us that outward sin rarely appears without inward preparation. Long before the action occurs, the heart has been negotiating with temptation. The book of James describes this process clearly: “Each person is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14–15). Sin is not spontaneous; it develops within the heart before it appears in behavior.

After taking the forbidden treasure, Achan moved to the final step—hiding. He buried the stolen items beneath his tent, hoping the secret would remain concealed. Yet Scripture repeatedly reveals that hidden sin eventually comes to light. The book of Numbers warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Human instinct often pushes us to hide our failures, but concealment never resolves the deeper issue. The spiritual writer John Owen once said, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.” His words remind us that ignoring sin allows it to grow stronger.

What makes Achan’s story especially tragic is that his personal sin affected the entire nation. Israel suffered defeat at Ai because one man had disobeyed God. This reminds us that our spiritual lives are never entirely private. The choices we make influence our families, our communities, and even the spiritual health of those around us. The Bible consistently portrays God’s people as a covenant community where the faithfulness of one person strengthens others and the sin of one person can wound many.

When I read this passage, I find myself examining my own life. Where do these steps appear in my daily decisions? The process often begins quietly—an image that captures my attention, a thought that lingers too long, a desire that begins to grow. Yet the story of Achan teaches us that the earlier we confront temptation, the easier it is to resist. If the battle is won at the level of what we allow our eyes and hearts to dwell upon, the later steps may never occur.

Jesus addressed this issue directly when He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The purity Jesus describes begins with the inner life—what we allow our thoughts, desires, and affections to pursue. Guarding our hearts is not simply about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about protecting the relationship we share with God.

As we continue our Bible-in-a-year journey, Achan’s confession stands as both a warning and an invitation. It warns us about the quiet progression of temptation, but it also invites us to cultivate vigilance over our hearts. The good news of the gospel is that where sin has broken fellowship with God, grace offers restoration. Through Christ, forgiveness and transformation remain available.

Perhaps today’s passage encourages us to ask an honest question: What am I allowing my eyes, my thoughts, and my affections to dwell upon? If we bring those areas into the light of God’s presence, we will discover that His grace is stronger than temptation and His wisdom is sufficient to guide us.

For additional study on the story of Achan, see this article from Bible.org:
https://bible.org/seriespage/9-achan-sin-and-its-consequences-joshua-7

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When Pride Delays the Journey

The Bible in a Year

As we continue our journey through Scripture this year, we occasionally encounter passages that stop us in our tracks and invite deeper reflection. One such passage appears in Deuteronomy 24:9, where Moses tells Israel, “Remember what the Lord thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.” It is striking that God instructs His people to remember this particular event. Throughout the Bible, remembering is more than recalling history; it is a spiritual discipline. The Hebrew word often used for remember is זָכַר (zakar), meaning to call something to mind with the intention of learning from it and responding appropriately. God wanted Israel—and us—to reflect on Miriam’s story so that we might recognize the dangers of pride and careless speech.

To understand the weight of this command, we must look back to the incident recorded in Numbers 12. Miriam was not an insignificant figure in Israel’s story. She was a woman of influence and courage. As a young girl she watched over the basket carrying her baby brother Moses on the Nile, ensuring his safety. Later, after Israel crossed the Red Sea, she was celebrated as a leader among the women and was called a prophetess. Exodus 15:20 records, “And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” Miriam had once stood at the center of Israel’s celebration of God’s deliverance.

Yet even faithful servants of God are not immune to the quiet growth of pride. Numbers 12 tells us that Miriam and Aaron began to criticize Moses. On the surface their complaint focused on Moses’ marriage, but the deeper issue was revealed in their question: “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” (Numbers 12:2). Their concern was not really about Moses’ decisions but about Moses’ position. His leadership had eclipsed theirs, and resentment began to take root. Pride often disguises itself as concern or fairness, but underneath lies a wounded ego.

What makes this story even more sobering is the simple statement that follows their criticism: “And the Lord heard it” (Numbers 12:2). That brief sentence reminds us that no conversation escapes God’s attention. Words spoken in frustration, jealousy, or criticism may seem small in the moment, yet Scripture repeatedly warns about the power of the tongue. James later writes, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body” (James 3:6). God heard Miriam’s words, and He called Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the entrance of the tabernacle to address the situation directly.

God’s response was decisive. After defending Moses’ unique calling as His servant, the Lord struck Miriam with leprosy. Numbers 12:10 says she became “leprous, as white as snow.” The suddenness of the judgment must have stunned everyone present. Although Moses immediately interceded for her healing, Miriam was still required to remain outside the camp for seven days. This separation was both physical and symbolic. It demonstrated the seriousness of her sin and provided time for reflection and humility.

The consequences of Miriam’s sin extended beyond her personal experience. Numbers 12:15 tells us that the entire nation of Israel halted their journey until she was restored. The camp did not move forward until Miriam completed her time outside the community. This detail is easy to overlook, but it carries an important lesson. Personal sin rarely affects only the individual who commits it. Our attitudes, our words, and our choices often ripple outward into the lives of others. Miriam’s pride delayed the progress of an entire nation moving toward the Promised Land.

Many commentators have reflected on this moment. Matthew Henry wrote, “Pride is a sin that commonly appears in those who have been honored by God.” His observation is insightful. Spiritual privilege can sometimes produce spiritual pride if we forget that every gift and position comes from God’s grace. The apostle Paul echoed this same warning centuries later when he asked, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Remembering Miriam’s story helps us guard our hearts against the subtle temptation to measure our worth by comparison with others.

There is also another dimension to this account that reveals the grace of God. Though Miriam was disciplined, she was not abandoned. Moses prayed for her restoration, and God healed her. Her week of separation served as correction rather than destruction. Scripture often presents discipline as a tool for spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:11 explains, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Miriam’s experience reminds us that God’s correction is ultimately an act of mercy intended to restore His people.

As I reflect on this passage during our Bible-in-a-year journey, I find myself asking an important question: Where might pride be quietly shaping my attitudes or words? Jealousy, comparison, and criticism can appear in subtle forms. Sometimes they emerge when someone else receives recognition or influence we hoped to have. Miriam’s story teaches us that these emotions, if left unchecked, can damage relationships and slow the spiritual progress of an entire community.

The antidote to pride is humility—a willingness to recognize that God assigns roles and responsibilities according to His wisdom. Moses himself was described as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). His humility stands in contrast to Miriam’s moment of jealousy. Rather than defending himself, Moses allowed God to address the situation, and he even interceded for the sister who had criticized him.

In our walk with Christ, humility keeps us aligned with God’s purposes. It allows us to celebrate the gifts and callings of others rather than competing with them. It also reminds us that every step forward in our spiritual journey depends on God’s grace. When we remember Miriam’s punishment, we are not merely recalling a painful moment in Israel’s history. We are receiving a warning and an invitation—to guard our hearts, to speak with grace, and to walk humbly before the Lord.

For further reflection on this passage and the lesson of humility, see this helpful resource:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Miriam-in-the-Bible.html

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When God Chooses the Next Leader

The Bible in a Year

“The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him” (Numbers 27:18). As we continue our journey through Scripture, we arrive at a sacred transition. Moses, the towering figure of the Exodus, is nearing the end of his earthly assignment. Rather than clinging to position or influence, he does something deeply instructive—he asks God to appoint a successor. Leadership in Israel was never meant to revolve around personality; it was anchored in divine calling.

The first thing we notice is designation. “Take thee Joshua the son of Nun.” God makes the choice. Moses does not conduct a poll, and Joshua does not campaign. The initiative begins with the Lord. Throughout Scripture, calling originates in God’s sovereign will. Abraham was summoned from Ur. David was chosen from the sheepfold. The apostles were called from fishing nets and tax booths. Service in God’s kingdom is not self-assigned ambition; it is divine commission. As Oswald Sanders wrote in Spiritual Leadership, “True leadership is not attained by self-assertion but by divine appointment.” That principle confronts our modern assumptions. We are often tempted to tell God what we will do for Him. Yet biblical service begins when we ask, “Lord, what would You have me to do?”

For most of us, the calling may not involve public prominence like Joshua’s. It may involve unseen acts of faithfulness—teaching children, visiting the sick, supporting ministry quietly. Yet the dignity of the task does not depend on its visibility. It depends on the One who assigns it. When God calls, obedience is the only faithful response.

Second, we observe qualification. Joshua is described as “a man in whom is the spirit.” The Hebrew term ruach can mean breath, wind, or spirit. Here it points to the enabling presence of God. Joshua was not chosen because of charisma alone, nor because of military résumé. His defining characteristic was spiritual condition. Earlier, we saw Joshua lingering in the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:11) and standing with Caleb in courageous faith (Numbers 14). He had already demonstrated reliance on God before he was elevated by God.

This speaks directly to the church today. Appointments in ministry are often influenced by worldly markers—business success, education, popularity. Yet Scripture places priority on inner life. When Paul outlined qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3, the emphasis fell on character more than capability. A spiritually healthy heart is the primary credential. John Stott once observed, “The church’s greatest need is not more machinery or better organization, but men and women filled with the Spirit.” That remains true in every generation.

Joshua’s qualification also reminds us that God never calls without enabling. The Spirit’s presence signifies empowerment. In our New Testament context, the Holy Spirit equips believers to fulfill their assignments (Acts 1:8). If God has placed you in a role—whether in church, family, or workplace—He supplies the strength required. The question is not whether we feel adequate; it is whether we depend upon the Spirit’s sufficiency.

Finally, we see installation. “Lay thine hand upon him.” This public act symbolized recognition, affirmation, and transfer of responsibility. Leadership transitions were not private affairs; they were communal moments. The congregation needed to see and understand that Joshua’s authority came from God’s direction. Public installation also honored the office itself. The people were called to respect not merely the individual but the role ordained by God.

In our reading plan this year, moments like this remind us that God’s work moves forward through generations. Moses’ departure did not halt God’s purposes. The covenant promises remained intact. Leadership changes, but the Lord’s faithfulness endures. If we are reading this passage during a season approaching Lent or reflecting on Christ’s redemptive mission, we might see a deeper parallel. Just as Joshua would lead the people into the Promised Land, Jesus—whose Hebrew name Yehoshua means “The Lord saves”—leads us into ultimate rest. The shadow in Numbers anticipates the substance fulfilled in Christ.

As we walk through the Bible in this year-long journey, this passage invites personal reflection. What assignment has God given me? Am I more concerned with recognition or with spiritual condition? Do I honor God-ordained roles in my church and community? Leadership in God’s economy is never self-created; it is Spirit-enabled and publicly affirmed.

For further study on Joshua’s leadership and its theological significance, you may find this article helpful from Bible.org:
https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-god-commissions-joshua-joshua-11-9

Let us continue reading faithfully. The Scriptures consistently reveal a God who calls, equips, and commissions. As we trace His story from Genesis to Revelation, we discover that He remains the same—sovereign in designation, generous in qualification, and orderly in installation. And in every season, He invites us to trust His wisdom in the roles He assigns.

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