Joshua 7:16-18 “16 So Joshua arose early in the morning and brought Israel near by tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken. 17 He brought the family of Judah near, and he took the family of the Zerahites; and he brought the family of the Zerahites near man by man, and Zabdi was taken. 18 He brought his household near man by man; and Achan, son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, was taken.”

I truly believe God gives Moms a sixth sense about some things. My mom always seemed to know when I was lying when I was a little boy. She could spot a lie from a mile away. As I got older I learned how to lie better, but I believe she always knew when I was doing wrong. I think she was the first one to say, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” Lol

Seriously though, that saying is very true. Just look at the passage for today. Achan knew the rule. Don’t take anything from Jericho! But he just couldn’t help himself. He saw something he wanted and took it. That foolish choice cost him and his entire family their lives. Consequences!

But the point I wanted to make about this passage is how Joshua found out who was the guilty party. As the tribes, families and men came forth, God revealed to him who it was. Verse 14 tells us that they “threw lots” to find out. God told them to do that, so He was the one directing the choice. First the tribe of Judah, then the family of Zerah and then Achan. Don’t you know Achan was sweating as the choices narrowed?

Our children need to learn early that even if they do manage to fool us, no one can fool God. He knows the choice they are going to make before they make it. He knows we are going to make poor choices sometimes. All He wants is for us to come to Him in repentance and ask for forgiveness. There may be consequences for our sin, but even in that there is His mercy. Rest little children knowing God loves you and has set up guidelines to protect you.