How to Overcome Your Ai

Joshua 7:1-12

After destroying the city of Jericho the next battle Israel faced was Ai. This battle did not go so well because Achan had taken the accursed thing when they conquered Jericho. Israel is defeated and thirty six men die as a result of Achan’s actions. The most surprising thing in the passage is the reaction of Joshua.

In this sermon we will use the reaction of Joshua to learn something that will help us when we are in the same position as Joshua. Many times in our lives especially after great victories we may find ourselves in the same position as Joshua. For each of us the Ai is different but it is real none the less. We will use Jerimiah 17:5-15 in connection with this passage to help us see the problem and the solution.

Joshua’s History:

When we look at the history of Joshua we can see why his reaction is really out of character. But note we are exactly the same way sometimes.

Numbers 14:7-9 ; Joshua 3:7 ; 4:14 ; 5:13-15 ; 6:1-27

It is important to note that in the defeat Joshua listens to the people for the battle plan instead of God (verses 3-5). Compare this with Jeremiah 17:5.

Results of the Ai moment:

1)  Joshua questioned God’s plan for Israel (verse 7)

2)  Joshua longed for a former state (verse 7)

3)  Joshua made it about himself (verse 8)

4)  Joshua feared man (verse 9)

5)  Joshua doubted God’s word (verse 9)

These things are the same thing that we do doing our Ai crisis. Compare with Jeremiah 17:9-10.

Solution for the problem:

Get back to the word of God (Joshua 1:8-9). Compare with Jeremiah 17:15.