THE 'EYES' HAVE IT!

Achan’s sin that caused the nation to be defeated by the men of Ai is the focus of today’s Chronological Bible Reading. The defeat at Ai costs 36 soldiers’ lives and the reputation of the Lord suffered as Israel retreated. And then when the Lord revealed why the nation had been defeated, Achan’s sin cost his entire family and all his livestock their lives. Achan’s sin found its beginning somewhere and the text tells us where it all began.

The text tells us that Achan “saw” then “coveted” then “took” then “concealed” those items under the ban (7:21). There is clearly a progression in Achan’s descent into this tragic sin. The reason for the defeat of Israel started with Achan seeing items he coveted or lusted after. Once he saw those items (listed in 7:21), the process started and he did not resist. His eyes got him in trouble. Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Mt. 5:29).

What are YOUR eyes seeing that is leading you into sin? Is it something you pass in a window display at a mall you frequent? A television ad you find unintelligibly attractive? A person to whom you find yourself drawn to? Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman” (Job 31:1). He knew sin could often start with what caught his gaze. The psalmist said, “I will not set anything that is worthless before my eyes” (Ps. 101:3). Decide before it is too late to vote with your eyes….guard them and guide them.