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The Beginning of the End
and Sapphira. In back of all these we have Lucifer. Yet, in spite of
all these warnings, covetousness is widespread.
Its slimy track is seen everywhere. It creates conflict in families,
it encourages envy and hatred in the poor against the rich, it prompts
the rich to grind down the poor. And this evil exists not just in the
world but in the church. How common it is even in the church to
find selfishness, greed, neglect of charities, and robbery of God “in
tithes and offerings.” Many a churchgoer comes regularly to com-
munion service, while among his possessions are hidden unlawful
gains, things that God has cursed. Many people sacrifice their hope
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of heaven for a “beautiful Babylonian garment.” The cries of the
suffering and poor are ignored, the gospel light is slowed down in
its progress, practices contradict the Christian profession, yet the
covetous so-called Christian continues to heap up treasures. “Will
a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me” (
Malachi 3:8
), says the
Lord.
The Difference Between Genuine and Forced Confessions
For one person’s sin the displeasure of God will rest on His
church until the transgression is found and put away. The influence
the church should fear the most is not that of open opposers, infidels,
and blasphemers, but of inconsistent people who keep back the
blessing of the God of Israel and bring weakness on His people.
With deep repentance and searching of heart, let everyone earnestly
look to discover the hidden sins that shut out God’s presence.
Achan had seen the armies of Israel return from Ai defeated and
discouraged, yet he did not come forward and confess his sin. He had
seen Joshua and the elders bowed to the earth in grief too great for
words, but he still kept silent. He had listened to the announcement
that a great crime had been committed, and had even heard its nature
stated clearly, but his lips were sealed. His heart filled with terror as
he saw his tribe pointed out, then his family and his household, but
he still did not confess until the finger of God was placed on him.
Then, when he could no longer hide his sin, he admitted the truth.
There is a huge difference between admitting facts after they
have been proved, and confessing sins known only to ourselves and
to God. Achan’s confession only served to show that his punishment