Knowing Him Daily

19.October.2025

Obedience matters. Disobedience, no matter how small it appears, carries weight, sometimes instantly, sometimes over time, but always with consequences.

Achan’s story begins just after one of Israel’s greatest moments. They had seen the walls fall and the battle of Jericho had been won. They were walking forward with hearts trusting that God was with them every step of the way. 

The Lord had given clear instructions that everything in Jericho was to be devoted to Him. Nothing was to be kept, and nothing could be hidden away for personal gain. But in the shadows of that great victory, one man made a choice that would shake an entire nation.

Achan saw something valuable, something that caught his eye and stirred desire in his heart. Rather than turning away, he took what was meant for God, buried it beneath his tent, and told no one. After all, it was just a little gold, some silver, and a beautiful garment, so nothing anyone would notice. But what Achan thought was hidden, God saw. What he thought would only affect him, impacted everyone around him.

Israel went into their next battle with Ai full of confidence, but instead of victory they found defeat. Thirty-six men died, and the hearts of the people were full of fear. Joshua fell facedown before the Lord, crying out, “Why?” And God answered, not with vague words, but with piercing clarity. A hidden sin in the camp had brought defeat upon the whole community.

Jesus spoke words that echo through this story: “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17). Paul reminded Timothy of the same principle: “The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them” (1 Timothy 5:25). Hidden things do not stay hidden forever.

Achan buried his sin in the ground, but God brought it into the light. What he tried to hide cost not only his own life but the lives of others. It is a sobering reminder that what we hide, hoping no one sees, can yell loudly in the lives of those around us.

Yet even in this story of judgment, we see the heart of God. He does not bring sin to light to humiliate His children, but to cleanse, heal, and restore. Hidden sin is like a slow poison that weakens our faith, our intimacy with Him, and spreads pain far beyond the one who holds it.

As I reflect on Achan’s story, I can’t help but think of how the Lord so gently invites us to bring things to Him before they ever need to be exposed. His desire is always mercy, always restoration, and always a heart that would beat in rhythm with His.

It is at the altar that hidden things lose their grip. The song “Altar” by UPPERROOM speaks of this truth, inviting hearts to lay everything down before the Lord so that nothing stands between us and Him. What we refuse to surrender will eventually be exposed.

Where Achan tried to bury his sin in silence, Samson’s rebellion was loud and visible. One hid in the shadows, the other in open defiance. The cost of disobedience was just as great.

https://youtu.be/ZRp_DchaNIs?si=LHWwgKGU1Q7Flr4r

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, or if you’ve walked away, trying to do life your own way it’s not too late. He’s calling you back. He’s been waiting.

Return to Him today. Surrender your plans, your pain, and your past. He’s ready to restore, renew, and realign you with your divine purpose.

~ Dear Heavenly Father ~

Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the Cross just for me. I admit that I have sinned, and I repent. I ask You to forgive me. I believe that He died and rose again. Right now, I make Him the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. My sins are washed away, my past is forgiven, and my future is bright. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Make today count and see you tomorrow.