Achan Must Go

The story of Achan is a story of a man in Israel who committed a serious sin that brought judgment and a curse upon Israel. At this point in their history, Israel has just entered the first city in Canaan, Jericho. God put a “ban” (curse) upon everything in the city. Everything was to be dedicated (destroyed) as an act of worship to God. However, an Israelite by the name of Achan took something that was “accursed” and put it among his stuff. This was considered a crime (theft) and it brought a curse upon the entire nation (, , ).

It is said that Achan took God’s things that were accursed or banned and “hid them in the earth.” This act of hiding God’s treasure “in the earth” connects this story with the parable of the talents.

For years I thought that the servant simply hid his treasure “in the earth.” Upon further examination, however, I realized that it wasn’t his treasure that he hid. It was his Lord’s treasure! As in the case of Achan, by hiding what belonged to God this servant was committing theft. And, as we all know, theft (particularly against God) brings a curse ()!

Moreover, if judgment befell Israel because someone hid what belonged to God in that day, what makes us think judgment won’t befall us when someone hides what belongs to God in our day!

Judgment came upon Israel because Achan hid that which belonged to the Lord. Although the servant wasn’t hiding it to keep it for himself, he was hiding it thinking of himself. He thought about the sternness of his master and the judgment he would receive if he did not succeed. As a result, he is called “wicked” by his master and not just lazy! The word “wicked” carries the idea of being corruption. Achan was corrupting the nation by his covetousness, but unfaithful servants corrupt others by their negligence.

The man or woman who does not use (or misuses) the gifts/talents of God are in essence committing theft.

Again, one man’s crime (theft) can bring a curse upon the whole community (nation)! Why does God judge a whole nation because of one man’s sin? To teach us that some sins affect more than the person who commits it ().

We must “look diligently” (keep an eye out) for bitterness because it can easily become a root, and when it becomes a root it will defile “many” (i.e. the whole congregation).

Some people aren’t just burying their gift. They are trading it (). Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl of soup.

Also, our survival and success in the kingdom is dependent upon us being a faithful steward over God’s ministry and gifts.

Some people are not just burying their gift. They are trading it for something of lesser value (). Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl of soup.

Some of us are holding on to past hurts (offences) not realizing the potential it has to corrupt us and those around us. Again, Israel was cursed because Achan held on to what should have been destroyed. Today, many in the Church are holding on to things God has commanded us to put away and destroy ().

Some people are not just burying their gift. They are trading it for something of lesser value (). Esau despised his birthright and sold it for a bowl of soup.

Many are no longer operating in ministry because they are holding on to past hurt. Moreover, this hurt (bitterness) is bringing a curse upon the whole community. Again, Israel was cursed because Achan held on to what should have been destroyed. Today, the Church can come under a curse because someone refuses to put away (destroy) their bitterness (). Our bitterness will inevitably cause us to deny (defraud) someone of the love they deserve.

Sometimes the “curse” comes upon a congregation because they are holding on to something God has commanded them to put away (). offence caused by personal hurt can create a root of bitterness and defile “the many” (whole congregation). Therefore, corruption can come from offence or bitterness. Many are no longer operating in ministry because they are holding on to past hurt (bitterness). God says that this is a root (seed) of bitterness that can defile an entire congregation. Instead of destroying their hurt, many, like Achan, are holding on to it. Moreover, Esau traded his birthright for temporary pleasure (gratification of the flesh). Many, like Esau, are trading in their office (place in ministry) for gratification. That’s what it means to “bury your talent in the earth.”

We must be careful with bitterness, because it will cause you to deny (defraud) someone the love and car they are entitled to, AND it will endanger those around you. You and those around you will not be able to stand against your enemies (Joshua 7:13).

Now, some people aren’t just burying their gift. They are selling it ().

We are told to put away anger and bitterness (). If we do not put these things away, but choose to hold on to them, they will spring up and defile us and the whole congregation. When we are bitter towards someone we will inevitably deny (defraud) them the affection and love they deserve.

Birthrights weren’t just about receiving a double portion. It was about responsibility. In fact, the reason the firstborn received a double portion was because he had the responsibility of caring for the family.

The Bible says that Esau despised his birthright. In other words, Esau did not have a high regard for his birthright. This is why he is called “profane” in Hebrews. Someone who is profane has little regard or respect for religion or religious things. They treat religious things no differently than other things. As a result, they won’t hesitate to trade sacred things for a moment of pleasure!

The problem with trading birthrights or other sacred rights (gifts) is once you give them away you can’t get them back ()!

The Bible says that the “gifts and callings of God are without repentance.” This means, once God gives a person a gift, He doesn’t “repent” or take it back. Similarly, when we give away God’s gifts away there is no “repentance” or take backs! How can we know if we have given away one of God’s gifts? I’m not sure. It’s just best if we be mindful not to do it.