CAC Living Water Daily Devotional For February 25, 2024 : Topic – NEVER COVET THE ‘BABYLONIAN GARMENT’
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 2024
TOPIC: NEVER COVET THE ‘BABYLONIAN GARMENT’
MEMORISE : But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel. (Joshua 7:1)
READ: Joshua 6:20-7:1 Joshua 6: 20-27
[20]. So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
[21]. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword.
[22]. But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, “Go into the harlot’s house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.”
[23]. And the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had. So they brought out all her relatives and left them outside the camp of Israel.
[24]. But they burned the city and all that was in it with fire. Only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.
[25]. And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
[26]. Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, “Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.”
[27]. So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout all the country.
Joshua 7: 1
[1]. But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel.
EXPOSITION
The story of the fall of Jericho holds a profound lesson for our spiritual journey. While Joshua and the Israelites witnessed the mighty walls of Jericho collapse, God’s commandment was clear they were to destroy everything in the city. However, one man coveted the “Babylonian garment,” and his disobedience led to severe consequences. The Babylonian garment mentioned in the Bible was likely an expensive and ornate piece made of silk or gold embroidery. Its significance may lie in the Babylonian empire’s prominence compared to the Israelites. Achan’s desire for wealth and status is reflected in his choice to take the garment, leading to his downfall. The “Babylonian garment” represents anything that distracts us from God’s commands-material possessions, status, or even sinful pleasures
The story of Achan serves as a warning against coveting the God-forbidden things (Prov. 15:27). When we allow our desires to lead us astray, we risk our relationship with God and His blessings. Joshua’s obedience led to the victory at Jericho, while Achan’s disobedience resulted in a tragic defeat at Ai. This stark contrast is a choice between coveting worldly gains and honouring God’s will. What are those ‘beautiful’ “Babylonian garments” you covet? God’s grace is ever-present. Repent and seek God’s forgiveness. His grace is always available to guide you on the right path.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to resist the temptation of coveting the things that You forbid.
2. Holy Spirit, point out to me every forbidden thing in my life and help me to throw them away before they finish me.
3. Pray that God should insulate our children and youths against the onslaught of covetousness that is ravaging the world and wasting destinies alarmingly.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 816
1. Though the world allure with its gilded charm,
I’m a child of God, whom it cannot harm;
He will me uphold by His mighty arm,
Every moment of my day.
Chorus:
I’ve a friend who will ev’ry need supply,
I’ve a home far beyond the starry sky,
And you know, that is just the reason why,
I am singing Hallelujah!
2. I can ne’er forget how upon the tree
Laid the son of God, there to die for me;
Yet to save my soul, thus it had to be,
There could be no other way.
3. I would e’er be true to my Lord and King,
Every waking hour praise to Him sing,
Knowing that at last He my soul shall bring,
Ever more with Him to stay.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Deuteronomy 2, 3