“Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling
the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.’”
Joshua 7:19
Yesterday we witnessed how one man’s selfishness brought defeat to a nation. Yet in the middle of that sad story, Achan made a choice that brought glory to God!
Notice that Joshua addressed this man with tenderness, “My son.” Achan was part of the family, so it was painful to deal with his judgment. But Joshua urged Achan to give glory to God by telling the truth.
There is a specific connection between glory and truth. This was a family issue, and GOD, the head of this family, IS Truth. So, if Achan told the truth, he would glorify, or shine light on who God is!
Personally, I find it most difficult to be honest with to those closest to me. If I tell the truth of what I have done or admit the anger I feel, I'm not only afraid of hurting them, I'm afraid of their reaction! However, Paul said to “tell our neighbors the truth,” and my closest neighbors are my family! (Ephesians 4:25)
We sometimes assume we must be perfect or have outstanding accomplishments to bring glory to God. But Achan failed both God and his community, and yet the last thing he did in life brought glory to God…he told the truth!
God, help me tell the truth…and bring glory to YOU!
