I Swear to God--Joshua 7

Today, the words "I swear to God" are all around. Kids say it when they are proving things. I even hear adults say it when they are found in the wrong. I have to laugh at them. Think about it, these adults know they are wrong, know they are lying, but they will swear to God that the truth is told. What a bunch of melarky! Americans today throw God's name around like they own it.

Why is it important not to do this? For one thing, it is one of those little things known as the 10 Commandments. Another thing is that we are lying not only to the people around us, we are lying to God himself! We are making mini-covenants with him if we say that. Look at what Achan did.

Most of the readers of this passage would think the punishment was too harsh, but remember his sin brought death to other Israelites. Today, our punishments are not that harsh, but thinking about where the Israelites were and what they had before them, there was no room for error. So, Joshua, being the strong leader, knew what had to happen. Praise God that today we have room for error. How many times would have I been stoned for my sin? But, because we are not in the place where the Israelites were and because of the greatest gift of all--Jesus--we have more freedom.

Next time you want to use the Lord's name in vain, you may want to rethink it. If you want to "swear to God" you may want to ponder the great responsibility that actually is.


May God continue to bless you

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