TURNING TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH

Joshua 7, 8
Message by Rev. Dr. Vincent Leoh 1st & 2nd July 2000

The ominous word “but” that introduces Josh. 7 is a signal that things are going to change, for Joshua is about to descend from the mountaintop of victory at Jericho to the valley of defeat at Ai. In this experience, he teaches us what causes defeat and how we must handle the discouragement and tragedies of life.

I. THE WAY DOWN IS UP! (7:1-5, 16-26)

1. THE DISOBEDIENCE OF ONE MAN BROUGHT DOWN A NATION! (7:1, 16-21)

“For Achan…took of the accursed things” (:1)

He is known in Bible history as the “the man who troubled Israel” (Josh.7:25). His disobedience can be traced to three steps that lead to sin and death (see 7:21):

How Sin Takes Root in Our Lives:

a) “I Saw…”
b) “I Coveted…”
c) “I Took…”

2. OVERCONFIDENT, ARROGANT LEADERS WILL CAUSE A NATION TO FALL! (7:2-5)

“Do not let all the people go up…” (:3)

“Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:11-12)
“Pride goes before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall.”
We are most vulnerability at the moment of success.

3. SEVERITY OF GOD’S JUDGMENT
“Valley of Achor” – literally valley of trouble.

II. THE WAY UP IS DOWN! (7:6-15, 24-26; 8:1-35)

1. THE VICTORIOUS POSITION: ON YOUR KNEES (7:6-9)

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution, between a tragedy and a triumph is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything!

Lifestyle in Contrast

Achan’s Tragedy Joshua’s Triumph
I saw Remorse (:6)
I coveted Reproach (:7-9)
I took Repentance (:8-9)

2. GET UP!

a) Find the Source of the Problem (7:10-15)
b) Deal with the Problem (7:24-26)

3. ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING (8:1-35)

The answer to our discouragement and fear is in hearing and believing God’s Word: “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed” (:1)

No matter how badly we have failed, we can always get up and begin again; for our God is a God of NEW BEGINNINGS.
“If you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.”
Henry Ford defined a mistake as “an opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.”

4. A WINNING STRATEGY – TRY AGAIN AND DO IT GOD’S WAY! (:3-23)

The strategy for Ai was based on Israel’s previous defeat, for God was organizing victory out of Joshua’s mistakes.

5. CELEBRATE THE WORD-VICTORY (8:30-35)

Joshua built an Altar (:30-31)
Joshua wrote the Law on Stones (:32-33). Joshua read and reaffirmed the Law (:34-35).