Victory and Defeat, Jericho and Ai - 1/24/10am

The Victory at Jericho
God gives Jericho to the Israelites, who do exactly as they are told. In the obedience, victory is given to them.
Joshua 6:1-5 -God gives instructions to Joshua
Joshua 6:6-11 -Joshua gives the instructions to the Israelites
Joshua 6:12-21 -The people obey, Jericho falls
Joshua 6:22-25 -Rahab and her family is spared
Joshua 6:26-27 -The curse on rebuilding Jericho

The Defeat at Ai
One person had sinned in looting Jericho. Because of his sin, victory was lost and severe consequences took place, both for Achan and for others.
Joshua 7:1 -Achan’s sin
Joshua 7:2-5 -Israel is defeated and flees at Ai
Joshua 7:6-9 -Joshua laments and cries out to God
Joshua 7:10-15 -God tells Joshua that Israel has sinned
Joshua 7:16-19 -Achan is found out
Joshua 7:20-21 -Achan confesses his sin
Joshua 7:22-26 -Achan is stoned and burned

The Victory at Ai
When Israel had chosen to once more fully obey the Lord, He again grants them victory.
Joshua 8:1-2 -The Lord tells Joshua to go and attack Ai
Joshua 8:3-8 -Joshua divides his force and prepares an ambush
Joshua 8:9-13 -Joshua marches the rest of his army towards Ai
Joshua 8:14-20 -The soldiers of Ai leave the city, which is sacked
Joshua 8:21-23 -The army of Ai is defeated
Joshua 8:24-29 -The city is destroyed, the people killed, and spoil is taken

Though Achan’s sin seemed such a small things, it cost Israel the victory, and brought about the end of his own life. If we choose to sin and not obey the Lord, even in something that seems small, we can influence others in such a way as to lose their souls, and we will ultimately have to pay the price of the second death. If, however, we do as the Lord says, we will have our victory.
Hebrews 5:5-11 -Christ, the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him