Today's Passage - Joshua 7:16-20

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Joshua 7:16-20    Early the next morning Joshua had Israel come forward by tribes, and Judah was taken. The clans of Judah came forward, and he took the Zerahites. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward by families, and Zimri was taken. Joshua had his family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done..."       There are three aspects in the emotional process of repentance: First, the rebukes from God. Repentance starts from the work of God. Otherwise, people rarely see their transgressions. It's like one cleaning a room in darkness.  The room is clean viewing from every angle. But when sun shine comes in, we discover that the room is full of dust and spider webs. It is not that we are incapable to see, but because there is no light to shine on it, we can't see the filth within. Similarly, one can not see his/her own darkness within, unless there is light from the Holy Spirit. God told Joshua to draw from Israelites, gathering them together. On the one hand, it was to give warnings to Israelites. On the other hand, it was the process of shining a light. This was not an action of men, because only God could point out sins within us.   Second, it was the tenderness of Joshua. Joshua acted as a protector. He didn't rebuke Achan. He knew that only God could make judgement. He only stood aside and prayed for the people. Joshua called Achan "My son". He took Achan as his own child. This was Joshua's heart. It was not to convict, but to console. This is exactly the blessing that a church need the most today. There are already too many voices of conviction in churches, rebuking and attacking each other. Joshua turns Achan's eyes to focus on God. It was neither for one's prestige, nor for future victories of Israelites, but simply for the glory of God. This was a true repentance.   Third, Achan honestly repented, because he said, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD." It was a confession out of sincerity. Achan confessed his sins in front of God and in front of men, and he believed that he would ultimately be saved. Even though his flesh had to bear the punishment for his sins, his heart has turned to God. Corinthians 5:5 says, "hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord."   Pray with Pastor Tong       Lord, we thank you because when you rebuke us, you show your righteousness. When you turn us back, you show your love to us. You are truly, truly full of compassion. May your light shine upon us so that we can see our darkness, and thus enter into your light.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!